Alexandra Haddow wins West End Comedy Club bursary
- Alexandra Haddow took home the £500 bursary from the West End Comedy Club's showcase of working class comics
- She says: "I am grateful for such initiatives that uplift and empower working class acts like myself"
- Louise Atkinson, Jodie Mitchell, William Stone and Lachlan Werner each received £100
Alexandra Haddow was announced as the winner of the West End Comedy Club's bursary aimed at supporting working class comedians attending this year's Edinburgh Festival.
The Corby-born comedian was awarded the £500 prize by a panel of judges on Saturday night.
She'll perform Alexandra Haddow: Not My Finest Hour at the Pleasance Courtyard at 6:55pm from 2nd to 28th August.
She says: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It is a tremendous honour to be recognised and supported by the West End Comedy Club. This bursary provides helpful financial assistance, making the cost of the Edinburgh Fringe slightly easier. I am grateful for such initiatives that uplift and empower working class acts like myself."
The judging panel comprised of comedians Sikisa and John Meagher, as well as the club's live comedy producer Joy Hunter.
Other finalists who appeared in the showcase hosted by Sian Davies on Saturday 8th July were Louise Atkinson, Jodie Mitchell, William Stone and Lachlan Werner. Each received £100.
Joy Hunter comments: "We are thrilled to have awarded the inaugural bursary to Alexandra Haddow. The competition was incredibly tough, with all the finalists delivering hilarious performances. It is inspiring to witness the diverse wealth of talent among working class comedians, and we are proud to provide them with a platform. Many performers face significant financial barriers in comedy, particularly when taking a show up to the fringe. This bursary is a small but step towards levelling the playing field."
The club, which runs four nights a week in central London, hopes to run the bursary annually.