Best in Class was founded by comedian Sian Davies, who was fed up of class, money and social status being used as a barrier to performing.
In 2018 she was invited to audition for a spot on an Edinburgh Fringe show, if successful, she was told she would have to pay £1800 to the promoter by the end of the week to secure her place. She set up a crowdfunding page to help with her costs. Within an hour the promoter called her back and dropped her from the audition. Apparently she was not the sort of person they wanted to work with.
Sian decided to turn the situation into something positive. Realising that the barriers facing working class performers in the arts are systemic, she set up Best in Class.
Sian found eight other working class comedians and put on a crowd funded, profit sharing show at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe. Since then, the project has grown into a movement that not only platforms and upskills working class comedians, but also campaigns for change within the comedy industry.
The comedians selected for the Fringe showcase work tirelessly in the run up to the festival. They are guided through the process of running a show, from writing press releases, to marketing and tech skills. Crucially, none of the acts pay to participate and they all receive payment for the work they do.
The Best In Class showcase has been a runaway success at the Edinburgh Fringe. Audiences flock to see the show, queueing early for a seat and selling it out daily. There is a real buzz around this group of comics bringing something different to the table at the world’s biggest arts festival, which is dominated by middle and upper class voices.
Best In Class alumni have gone on to achieve fantastic successes within their comedy careers. The showcase has proven to be a great training ground for working class acts to find their feet at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Best in Class also support a wider network of working class acts with bursaries and workshops.
Best In Class were awarded the Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and a Fringe Recovery grant in 2022. Followed by a BBC Comedy grant in 2023 and the Ish Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize in 2024. This increased the reach of working class acts they were able to work with. Best in Class now facilitates online and in person workshops and offers bursaries to support their community.
Sian Davies accepted the panel prize award on behalf of Best in Class with a rousing speech about systemic inequalities within the arts.