Double win for Leeds graduates at Edinburgh Comedy Awards

Two Leeds graduates have been awarded the ‘Oscars of comedy’ at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Amy Gledhill was awarded the best comedy show while Joe Kent-Walters was named best newcomer. 

Both graduated from the School of Performance and Cultural Industries in 2009 and 2020, respectively.  

The awards celebrate the best of both up-and-coming comedy and brand-new performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

Now in their 42nd year, they’ve been dubbed the ‘Oscars of comedy’ and have helped launch the careers of many household comedy names.  

Director of the awards, Nica Burns, said: “Our two winners this year share one thing: funny bones. They have a gift for comedy and have honed how best to use it. Their comedy speaks to everyone – they are both clearly on their way to major stardom. I predict in a few years’ time they will be household names.” 

Amy took home the main prize for ‘Make Me Look Fit on the Poster,’ a show exploring self-esteem while Joe turned heads with his alter ego, Frankie Monroe 

Commenting on their success, Head of School of Performance and Cultural Industries at the University of Leeds, Professor Jonathan Pitches, said:  “It's wonderful to see the news of this double win for Yorkshire in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and a bonus to think that both Amy and Joe studied in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries (PCI) on our flagship Theatre and Performance Degree.  
 
“They've certainly honed their skills as comedians since studying and performing in PCI but their creative spirit and belief that it's possible to shine even with thousands of others competing with you in the biggest theatre festival in the world, is a true reflection of the entrepreneurial culture in our School. Well done to both of them! I for one will be keeping an eye out for both of them in the future.” 

Amy Gledhill, best comedy show

Joe Kent-Walters, best newcomer