Best in Class is a show that champions the talent of working-class comedians. 100% crowdfunded and profit sharing, as it should be! After a hugely successful 2018 Edinburgh Fringe run, Best in Class returns in 2019 with a fresh line up of the hottest working-class comedy heroes.
The line up for Edinburgh Fringe showcase Best in Class has been announced! Joining MC and organiser Sian Davies are William Stone, Jordan Gray, Wilson Milton, Hannah Platt, Ash Preston, Kimi Loughton, Fran Garrity and Charlie George.
Best in Class was founded by Liverpool comedian Sian Davies who was fed up of class, money and social status being used as barrier to performing. 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 and the rest is history!
You can be one of the first to see the 2019 comedians as they launch their journey to the fringe at Hot Water Comedy Club, Liverpool at 7pm on Sunday 26th May. They also have a huge benefit party planned at 2Northdown, Kings Cross on Saturday 22nd June and a show at the Greater Manchester Fringe on Sunday 14th July.
The 2019 Best in Class line up features:
Host and commander in chief Sian Davies
Liverpool based comedian with a passion for social justice and equality. Often hindered by her dog, who is too posh for his own good and would probably vote Tory if given half the chance.
Recipient of The Hive Mentorship Award 2019
Hilarity Bites New Act Winner 2018
Finalist Nando’s New Comedian and Harrogate New Comedian 2017
“Excellent compere” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
“Sharp and focused… fantastic ability as a comedian and compere” **** Backstage on the Fringe
“Perfect timing and audience engagement. A confident performer with an appetite for politics and challenging the status quo” Lynne Parker, Funny Women.
Stuck somewhere between reality and dreams, offering glimpses into his world through whimsical one-liners and oblique observations.
BBC New Comedy Award Finalist 2018. Leicester Square Theatre new act of the year finalist 2018.
“William Stone cracks me up, he’s got some belting gags that I wish I’d thought of. Highly recommended” Angela Barnes (Radio4 Newsjack, Live at the Apollo)
“excellent writer of quirky one-liners” Steve Bennett, Chortle.
Jordan wrote and co-starred in the award-winning Tall Dark Friend webcom and her 2018 show “People Change” was met with critical acclaim. She hosts a weekly radio show on Phoenix 98FM and writes a monthly column for Diva Magazine.
Panic Awards Comedian of the Year (2018)
Colchester New Comedian of the Year (2017)
DIVA 100 Most influential Les/Bi/Trans Women in the UK (2018)
“Hilarious!” Jim Norton
“She’s amazing!” Boy George
“Open, honest, creative genius.” Scroobius Pip
Fran has been making waves on the comedy circuit for some time now. As well as headlining a showcase for BBC Radio comedy series ‘It’s Grin up North’ he also has writing credits on the show. His tour shows ‘Secret Agent Fran’ and ‘Faith, Hope and Garrity’ both enjoyed sell out runs. Fran has also provided tour support for Jason Manford.
“Gritty and punchy, backed up with a keenness in observation and a good turn-of-phrase.” (The Stand, Newcastle)
“Fran Garrity has an easy and instant rapport with the audience and not only gets frequent laughs but also they are always big laughs” (Agraman, Buzz Comedy)
Hannah Platt has a frank, acerbic and brutally honest approach to stand up, never shying away from sensitive topics.
‘Dark, damaged and hilarious’, Josie Long
‘Voice of a new generation’, The Skinny
‘Liverpudlian Daria’, Ents24
Wilson is the cheeky chappie from a council estate in south london. with sharp observations, curveball one liners and pin point accents, he is sure to please any audience.
“Smart, charismatic and a huge hit with audiences, Wilson is fast becoming a great name to watch out for” – David Geli, Up The Creek
Dirty stories delivered with a uniquely infectious energy, Kimi is one of the fastest rising stars in Scottish comedy. Bold brash, brave and busy, Kimi brings plenty of laughs while leaving you pondering about your own views.
“Promising young stand- up… Kimi Loughton is confident & engaging” Fringe Monkey
Ash has been on the circuit for over two years. He has performed all over the country with his eccentric storytelling and high energy stage persona. Once described as a ‘friendly misanthrope.’ Fiercely proud of his working-class upbringing and underdog mentality… He also resembles several murderers
Charlie is a former circus performer and dancer, she came to comedy to find her voice. Turns out her voice is a lot like an 18th century white man’s trapped inside the body of a queer brown lady, so, that should be comfortable then…
Pride’s Got Talent Finalist 2018. Leicester Square New Comedian Award finalist 2018
“Charlie George has an elegantly calm and collected demeanour, wry observations and her situation and background are interesting.” – Steve Bennett, Chortle.
You can donate to the Best in Class Crowdfund here!
