Irish comedian Marty Gleeson wins Best Newcomer in Comedians’ Choice Awards at Edinburgh Fringe

Irish comedian Marty Gleeson has been voted Best Newcomer at the Comedians’ Choice Awards.

The award ceremony, hosted by the 2025 Best Show winner Alison Spittle, took place at The Three Sisters bar during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Every comedy show at the festival is eligible to vote and receive votes, with no judging panel or industry specialists involved.

Gleeson debuted her full-length solo show Dog Ear at the festival, which won her the title.

“This is really so cool,” Gleeson said upon receiving the award. “Thank you for everyone who’s come to the show, supported in any way and thank you to the comedians for voting and for your time and friendships. I love laughing with you. It’s your opinion that matters the most and this means really so much.”

The other Best Newcomer nominees were Ben McCarthy. Ethan & Gigi, Evaldas Karosas, Lady Bolognese, Lawrence Dodd, Madeleine Brettingham, Paul Hilleard, Sam Eley, Sapphire McIntosh and Zoe Wohlfield.

Kate Dolan’s comedy show, Trout, was named Best Show and Claire McCluskey, Head of Production at Monkey Barrel Comedy, received the Best Person award, which recognises someone working in any capacity at the annual festival.

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, I wasn’t even this happy on my wedding day,” Dolan said. “I’m so honoured, who knows more about comedy than comedians.”

Based in London, Gleeson began her stand-up career in 2022, when she was named a finalist for the West End New Act of the Year. The following year, she was selected as a finalist for the BBC New Comedy Award.

She’s performed at festivals such as Deer Shed in Yorkshire, several live shows and, in 2024, alongside Frances Heyton and Su Mi for their show Wham Bam Thank You Mam.