Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award: As the prize 'takes a break' in 2025 here are all 16 hilarious jokes to have won the award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Comedy Award (formerly the Perrier Award) is handed out each year to the top clown in the class, and since 2008 is has been joined by The Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award.
Presented by television channel Dave, each year a shortlist of 10-15 jokes was drawn up by some of the leading comedy critics and comedians in the UK.
Designed to celebrate 'the art of joke writing' and making people laugh, the general public then voted for the eventual winner.
This week it was announced that 'U&Dave's Funniest Joke Of The Fringe', as it's now called, would be scrapped from the 2025 Fringe, with the TV station behind the gong saying it is 'resting'.
So we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the 16 jokes that have made the grade since the prize was established.
1 . 2024: Mark Simmons
"I was going to sail around the globe in the world's smallest ship, but I bottled it." | Contributed Photo Sales
2 . 2023: Lorna Rose Treen
"I started dating a zookeeper, but it turned out he was a cheetah." | Contributed Photo Sales
3 . 2022: Masai Graham
"I tried to steal spaghetti from the shop, but the female guard saw me and I couldn't get pasta." | Contributed Photo Sales
4 . 2021: Masai Graham
"I thought the word "Caesarean" began with the letter "S" but when I looked in the dictionary, it was in the "C" section." | Contributed Photo Sales
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
Breakneck Comedy brings Craig Campbell's Raging Gracelessly tour to Bathgate this Autumn
Following the success of his previous Scottish dates, comedian Craig Campbell brings his Raging Gracelessly tour back to Scotland this Autumn. The tour includes a show at Bathgate's Room at the Top on Friday 24 October. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Canadian born comedian, who now lives in Devon, has a number of television credits to his name – both in the UK (Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Russel Howard's Good News) and Canada – but is probably best remembered as the comedian who made an expectant mother laugh so hard that her waters broke on Dave's One Night Stand (U&Dave, formerly Dave). His latest Scottish tour begins in Invergordon on Friday 3 October and ends in Bathgate on Friday 24 October, the thirteen-date tour also includes shows in Aberdeen, Pitlochry, Clydebank, and Linlithgow. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Craig's Scottish tour dates are with Aberdeen-based promoters, Breakneck Comedy. Breakneck Comedy's founder, Naz Hussain said, 'I'm delighted to be bringing Craig's Raging Gracelessly tour back to Scotland, following the success of his Scottish shows with us last year. It's always a joy to watch him in action and audiences can expect a fantastic evening of comedy from one of Canada's finest comedians.' Canadian comedian Craig Campbell is heading back to Scotland this Autumn Breakneck Comedy is renowned for bringing top comedians and performers to towns and venues that might not be on the usual tour schedule. 'I love bringing big names to towns that some promoters might overlook' says Naz. 'It's really exciting to be able to put on shows all over Scotland and make it easier for people to be able to enjoy a great night of comedy and entertainment without them having to worry about catching a train home from the city.'
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Hundreds of people gather on Edinburgh's Calton Hill to watch man fold bed sheet
Hundreds of people gathered on Calton Hill on Friday night to watch a comedian fold a fitted sheet beside the National Monument of Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The unusual event was a promo for New Zealand stand-up Dan Boerman ahead of his upcoming Fringe show – a move the 31-year-old said was the 'the craziest marketing stunt of my career' adding 'if you don't have rich parents or thousands of dollars for PR, sometimes you just have to think outside the box'. After advertising the unique spectacle with posters around the city, a considerable number of people visited the Edinburgh beauty spot on July 25, curious to see how the situation would unfold. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dan Boerman captivated his audience at Calton Hill in Edinburgh on Friday night | NW Arriving at Calton Hill for 6pm, hundreds of visitors formed a circle at the top of the hill before the Kiwi comedian made his entrance to thunderous applause. It is the second time Boerman has drawn large crowds to witness the unique performance, with the sell-out comedian performing the same stunt in Wellington in early April. ` Speaking to the Evening News, Dan said: 'This was certainly a bigger crowd than Wellington, probably double the size. But I'm just really stoked that people were on board with what I was doing. 'It's a really beautiful spot, when I put out the flyers for this I hadn't actually been up Calton Hill, so when I got here I thought what a backdrop for a thousand people to sit around, have a laugh and cheer someone on for nothing.' Hundreds of people gathered to watch the unusual event on Calton Hill on Friday, July 25 | NW Dan, who moved to Edinburgh in December last year, will perform his show at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel (Venue 108) from August 1 to 25 following a sell-out 2024 Edinburgh debut. Titled, Dan Boerman Folds a Fitted Sheet on His Own, the hour-long stand-up routine is inspired by Dan's experience following the end of a long-term relationship and navigating life . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dan said: 'I dreamt up the idea for my solo hour about a year ago. Folding a fitted sheet is a quintessential millennial struggle - no one really knows how to do it but it's something that everyone struggles with. The show is an hour looking at the other side of a relationships and navigating life on your own I suppose. The New Zealand comic's show, Dan Boerman Folds a Fitted Sheet on His Own, will run at the Grassmarket during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe | NW 'I'm not the first straight man to do a Fringe show saying 'hey I had a partner, now I don't, and now I'm on the apps - that's been done before and I think people have grown tired of seeing that. 'I like to think my show is a refreshing take on navigating life as a single straight man. It's high energy, chaotic, relatable, observational, it's Kiwi, and I don't get too preachy. But I'm really pleased with the show and proud of the writing that's gone into it.' Dan Boerman Folds a Fitted Sheet on His Own, runs from August 1 to 25 at Hoot 3 at Hoots @ The Apex.
Scotsman
13 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh's Festivals 2025: Here are all the festivals taking place in the Capital this August - and what's happening at them
The jugglers and street performers of the Royal Mile are just one small part of Edinburgh's festivals. | Getty Images As ever, there's a lot going on in Edinburgh this August. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... While you may hear people talk about 'The Edinburgh Festival', there's really no such thing - with Scotland's Capital hosting a number of different events over the summer. To let visitors know their Edinburgh Festival Fringe from their Edinburgh International Festival, we're giving you a quick rundown of everything cultural happening in the coming weeks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Taken together these events offer something for everyone, and earn Edinburgh the undisputed title of Festival City. Here's everything happening this August. Edinburgh Festival Fringe What is it? The Edinburgh Fesival Fringe is the world's largest performance arts festival, set up in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. On a global scale only the Olympic Games and the World Cup sell more tickets and it takes over venues all over the city for much of August. It is an open-access festival, meaning anybody can participate in any genre of art. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society publish a thick free programme every year containing most of the performances - which can be picked up in venues across Edinburgh before and during the event. When does it take place? This year's event is scheduled to take place between August 1-25, although there are often preview performances in the week before and a few extra events at the start of the week after. Where does it take place? In venues across Edinburgh - from proper theatres to temporary venues. The largest venues include The Pleasance, The Underbelly, The Gilded Balloon, The Monkey Barrel, The Stand, and the Assembly. What are the highlights? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is genuinely something for everybody at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - including hundreds of free events. Big names appearing at this year's event include Miriam Margolyes, Alan Davies, Rosie O'Donnell, Alan Davies, Tapeface and Michelle Collins. Where can I get tickets? Tickets for all events are available to buy here. Edinburgh International Festival What is it? First held in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has taken place every year since, other than in 2020 when the global pandemic forced it to be cancelled completely. It sees notable figures from the worlds of music and the performing arts invited to perform in the city. In recent years contemporary music has started to play a part, but traditionally the majority of events are classical music concerts, opera, theatre productions, and dance performances. When does it take place? The Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 1-25. Where does it take place? Like the Fringe, the International Festival takes place in venues across the city, with its headquarters at The Hub on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Key venues include The Lyceum, The Edinburgh Festival Theatre, The Usher Hall, The Queen's Hall, and The Edinburgh Playhouse. What are the highlights? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This year's hot ticket seems to be Make it Happen, James Graham's new play about the rise and fall of The Royal Bank of Scotland that stars Dundoneon actor Brian Cox. Other eyecatching events include Mary, Queen of Scots, Orpheus and Eurydice, Holst's The Planets, and Book of Mountains and Sea. Where can I get tickets? Tickets for all events can be bought here. Edinburgh International Book Festival What is it? First taking place in a single tent in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival was originally a biennial event but became an annual literary celebration in 1997. It invites hundred of authors, journalists, politicians and famous faces from around the world to come to the city to speak about both their books and those of others. When does it take place? The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from August 12–28. Where does it take place? The festival moved from its former home in Charlotte Square a few years ago, initially moving to Edinburgh College of Art. This year, for the second time, it will be taking place at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) next to the Meadows - which is the festival's new 'long-term' home. Alongside a range of event venues the EFI offers gardens to relax in and a huge bookshop. Bigger events take place in the McEwan Hall, a few minutes walk away. What are the highlights? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad More than 470 authors and personalities are appearing including Ian McEwan, Sam Heughan, Brian Cox, Adam Buxton, Maggie O'Farrell, Nicola Sturgeon, Ally McCoist, Ruth Jones, Viggo Mortensen, Vanessa Redgrave and Tim Key. Where can I get tickets? You can buy tickets here. Edinburgh International Film Festival What is it? Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world's oldest continually running film festival. Threatened by financial problems in 2022, including the closing of its Edinburgh Filmhouse home, it continued as a shortened event. This year the Filmhouse is back, as is the festival, showcasing a selection of films from around the world, from festival favourites to world premieres. When does it take place? The festival takes place over six days from August 14-20. Where does it take place? The majority of screenings are taking place in the Filmhouse and, a short walk up Lothian Road, at the Cameo. What are the highlights? The opening film is the UK premiere of Eva Victor's dark comedy Sorry, Baby the UK premiere of , while Irvine Welsh documentary Reality is not Enough will close proceedings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Inbetween, popular screenings will include new Ben Wheatley film Bulk, the UK premiere of The Toxic Avenger, and a retrospective of Sean Connery James Bond films. There are also in person events with the likes of Andrew and Kevin Macdonald and Andrea Arnold Where can I get tickets? Tickets are available here. Edinburgh Arts Festival What is it? The UK's largest annual celebration of visual art takes place across the city featuring everything from paintings to installations. When does it take place? The festival runs from August 7-24. Where does it take place? You can find art festival exhibitions in galleries across the city. If you piock up a programme it includes a map of all the venues and what you can see in them. What are the highlights? Highlights include a range of newly commissioned, EAF-initiated works, including a performance by Linder, film work by CJ Mahony and Lewis Hetherington, and performance by Lewis Walker. Where can I get tickets? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tickets for many of the exhibitions are free, but for those you have to pay for, you can buy tickets here. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo What is it? First held in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual show performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams. When does it take place? The tattoo is held most days between August 1-23. Where does it take place? The Royal Edinburgh Military Tatto takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. What are the highlights? To mark its 75th anniversary, this year's event will feature a journey through the Tattoo's history, titled The Heroes Who Made Us. It will include returning fan favorites like the Massed Pipes and Drums, military musicians, and Tattoo dancers, alongside international acts such as the Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, and the United States Honor Guard Drill Team. Where can I get tickets? Tickets are available here. Foodies Festival What is it? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dedicated to all things culinary, the Foodie Festival incldes cooking and baking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, cocktail tasting, street food stalls, artisan producers, music, and a while host of other attractions. When does it take place? The Foodie Festival takes place over the weekend of August 1-3. Where does it take place? The festival's home is Edinburgh's Inverleith Park. What are the highlights? Chefs and bakers appearing include Gary Mclean, Dean Banks, The Hebridean Baker, Jak O'Donnell and AJ Park. There will also be music from The Wanted 2.0 and Scouting For Girls. Where can I get tickets?
