Meet the Best In Class 2023

Best in Class is the crowdfunded profit-sharing mixed bill showcase of the best new comic voices, who just so happen to be from working-class backgrounds. So who features in this year's Edinburgh line-up? Here's their biographies, and their thoughts on the month ahead...

Ashley Gorman

Ashley Gorman is a comedian and writer born and bred in Burnt Oak, North West London. He recently emigrated to Forest Hill in South East London to become a pub landlord. Ashley is an exceptional storyteller who mines his own life for comedy gold. His anecdotes of outlandish misadventures leave audiences in hysterics.

He comments: "BIC is a fantastic opportunity which I'm truly both grateful and honoured to be selected for and I'm proper looking forward to our run of Edinburgh shows."

Dani Johns

Quick witted, brutally honest and full of Bristolian charm, Dani Johns is a rising star on the comedy circuit. With an energetic mix of storytelling and serious over sharing, Dani is an instantly likeable act and is described as a "pocket rocket of a comedian" whose "sassy delivery captivates every audience member".

She says: "BIC is such an exciting and unique show, there's nothing else like it at the Fringe. I'm super chuffed to be part of it and can't wait to entertain the audiences of Edinburgh!"

Jacob Nussey

Jacob Nussey unassumingly draws in audiences with his deadpan style, sharp jokes, and ill-fated anecdotes with clever punchlines. Jacob won West Didsbury Comedy Festival New Act of the Year and was a finalist of Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year in 2022 after reaching the semi-finals of British Comedian of the Year and semi-finals of So You Think You're Funny? in 2021.

"I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and seeing the shows I'd never normally see anywhere else!" he says.

Jen Nolan

Jen Nolan is a working class comedian and won't let you forget it! Telling (not so tall) tales of life growing up on the breadline, she has been told she is one to watch, even if that was by her Nan with dementia.

She says: "I think best in class is a revolutionary incentive, much needed in a world so often dominated by middle and upper class voices. I'm looking forward to making some noise in Edinburgh and showing them how we working class comics get down!"

Katie Mitchell

Katie Mitchell is a queer working class comic who grew up on a council estate and began comedy in sixth form in 2016. She is alternative yet pervasive, revelling in main-stream comedy environments where her infectious, joyful and silly work is a delight on any line-up.

She says: "Alternative comedy has a strong foothold amongst the Gaulier trained and privately educated, so I'm really proud and excited to be bringing polished, club-worthy silliness to the masses with Best In Class."

Katie Tracey

Kate has been performing stand-up across the UK for over a decade. Her down to earth observations and cheeky humour has made her a favourite with audiences and acts alike. Katie aims to challenge people's perception of middle aged working class women, with her infectious charm and razor sharp wit.

Lee Hudson

Lee's brand of personal storytelling and self-deprecation has seen his reputation rise on the UK comedy circuit and beyond, having also performed in the US, Canada and around Europe. He's opened for Dan Soder and Tom Stade and is part of the Ian Edwards Soccer Comic Rant podcast on Bill Burr's All Things Comedy network.

"Thanks to Best in Class, this will be the longest I've been able to spend at the Fringe. I'm really excited about being part of the show, as everyone brings something a little different, our audiences are in for a treat!" he says.

Leroy Brito

A breakout star from Wales, Leroy is a regular on the UK comedy circuit and has had 4 sold out solo shows at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. Leroy has previously starred in the BBC One sitcom Tourist Trap, is a regular on BBC Radio Wales and has presented on 6 Nations Sin Bin, Wales Big Kickoff and Wales Live.

"I'm looking forward to experiencing the festival for a few days without the stress of potentially losing thousands" he concludes.