Best in Class 2025 line-up revealed
Best In Class have announced their 2025 line-up.
The organisation has been providing a platform for working class comics to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2018. With many Best in Class alumni going on to TV, radio and live show success, the showcase is seen by all as a launch pad for working class acts in the comedy industry.
This year's line-up features Gabrielle MacPherson, Matt Pugsley, Danny Scott, Ibs Sesay, Justina Seselskaite, Al Stevenson, Shawn Uyosa and Hannah Weetman.
This year saw a record breaking 150 applications to the scheme, with just 8 places available. The selected acts will join Best in Class directors Tom Mayhew, Dani Johns and Sian Davies in planning the fringe showcases. During August, the 2025 squad will perform as a mixed bill on a rotating line-up, giving them all the opportunity to soak up the fringe atmosphere.
Best in Class founder Sian Davies says: "As costs rise, many working class acts are priced out of performing at The Fringe, meaning it is in danger of becoming an even more elitist festival, played only by Footlights members, Eton graduates and people whose parents have their own Wikipedia entries. It's been proven time and again that when working class acts are given a seat at the table, we have the talent to excel. Best in Class offers a tangible way of challenging the status quo. I would encourage anyone who feels frustrated with the current system and lack of working class representation in comedy to make a donation to support what we do. Even the nepo babies!
"I'm blown away by how much Best in Class has grown. It goes to show there is a real need for working class comics to tell their stories at the fringe. The audiences are craving relatability and they see themselves reflected in our acts. When I started this, it was because I felt excluded from the comedy industry, due to being working class. Now we have a program that is an integral part of The Fringe landscape and we've created a community of working class comics across the UK. Each year the new cohort surprises me with their ability, talent and tenacity. I am thrilled to be working with the new squad and can't wait to get to know them all better."
The biographies for the 2025 Best in Class acts are below:
Gabrielle MacPherson
Always preparing for the worst, just hoping not to get murdered. Let Gabrielle take you through her preparations for life; a hammer and Vaseline, fighting ostriches and farting through keyholes.
She has been a finalist in competitions at Leicester Square Theatre and The Stand Up Club, a semi finalist in So You Think You're Funny? and placed third in the Max Turner Prize.
Matt Pugsley
Proud Bristolian, Matt Pugsley, may look no nonsense - but he finds the nonsense in everything. Offering a relatable romp through stories of working class misadventure and unorthodox approaches to dealing with whatever life throws his way. From observation quips to uproarious storytelling, from morose to mischievous, he is a versatile performer, guaranteed to be engaging and hilarious throughout.
Pugsley has reached the finals of numerous comedy competitions, and proven to be a firm audience favourite.
Danny Scott
A high energy, off the wall observational comedian. Kent born and bred and operating on around 87% caffeine. Danny Scott was finalist in Bath New Act of the Year and semi finalist in the Max Turner Prize. As well as providing TV warm up for both seasons of Live At The Queer Comedy Club.
Ibs Sesay
A North London-based comedian who finds humour in life's broken aspects: beds, body parts, and Britain. Runner up in the Max Turner Prize and a regular contributor to the cult podcast Wrestle Club UK. With performances at the Wandsworth Fringe and a four-star reviewed show, Organised Chaos, Ibs continues to captivate audiences with his sharp wit and unique perspective.
Justina Seselskaite
Justina Seselskaite is a Lithuanian comedian, who has become an adopted Manc. Winner of British Comedy Guide's Talent Award and So You Think You're Funny? finalist. This rising star has supported Hayley Ellis on tour, been seen on BBC iPlayer and heard on BBC Radio Manchester.
Al Stevenson
Al Stevenson is a sharp-witted lad from Newcastle, with "bulletproof confidence" (The Stand). His tongue in cheek charm allows him to tear through the audience with a cheeky grin. Stevenson was a finalist in the Beat The Frog World Series and performed as tour support for Mark Nelson and Kevin James Thornton.
Shawn Uyosa
Shawn Uyosa is a Nigerian born Irish comedian who has been performing stand-up since he was 17 years-old. He won Ireland's Best New Act competition at the Bray Comedy Festival in 2020 and The Comedy Cavern's Cork Comedian Of The Year competition in 2023. Shawn performed at The PaddyPower Comedy Festival in 2023 and 2024 featuring Tommy Tiernan and Dara O Briain and was picked by The Irish Times as one of Three Comedians To Watch In 2024 and by LadBible Ireland as One Of The Acts They're Most Looking Forward To Seeing.
Hannah Weetman
Self-deprecating with a huge head and awful accent. Winner of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2022. Shortlisted BBC New Act 2023. Runner up in the 2019 Best New Act category in the West Midlands Comedy Awards. 3rd in the egg and spoon race 2004.
Some of the new recruits will be performing at the Best in Class Leicester Comedy Festival show on Saturday 15th February. A bumper fundraising show hosted by Sian Davies, featuring Best in Class alumni alongside TV favourites Angela Barnes, Sikisa and Alison Spittle. Tickets
The 2025 Best in Class Edinburgh Fringe Showcase will be at 7pm at The Three Sisters 31st July - 24th August, with tickets on sale soon.
You can make a donation to Best in Class via GoFundMe