Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year
Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.
Article Source: Brass Tacks Comedy
Last Updated: 11 December 2025 9:21
Following a hugely successful inaugural year, which saw Edinburgh comic Ayo Adenekan make his critically acclaimed debut thanks to the fund, the ‘Brass Tacks Debut Fund’ returns for its second year - applications open on 11th December and close 15th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of comedy industry experts including professional comedians, programmers and Brass Tacks Comedy.
Created in 2025 by Edinburgh based producer Brass Tacks Comedy, the fund aims to support a comic who may feel priced out by ever-expanding Fringe finances by paying venue costs, registration fees, marketing and more.
Local comedian Ayo Adenekan was the recipient of 2025’s fund, supported by Red Bull UK and Brass Tacks to debut his show ‘Black Mediocrity’ at Monkey Barrel in August 2025. Ayo Adenekan sold out his Fringe run, adding extra shows, receiving 4 and 5 star reviews and even picking up joint ‘Best Newcomer’ at the ISH Awards, as well as a ‘Bestie’ award from The Skinny as well as appearances on STV News and BBC Radio Scotland during Fringe. Since debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ayo has gone on to compete in the televised national finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards and be signed by United Talent, one of the world’s leading agencies.
Brass Tacks Comedy will once again partner with Red Bull UK to provide the fund, allowing a Scottish or Scotland-based comedian to perform their one hour debut at the biggest arts festival in the world next August, without some of the huge financial burden facing working class artists across the board. With Red Bull always aiming to support those who are pushing boundaries within their fields, whether sport, fitness, culture, or in this case, comedy, the fund has the potential to kickstart one talented comic’s career.
Katie Palmer, Brass Tacks Comedy said, “I’m so excited to be bringing this fund back for a second year, partnering with Red Bull UK once again to offer a Scottish comedian the chance of a funded debut Fringe run.
“Ayo Adenekan is a fantastic example of a new comedian who felt priced out of the Fringe, despite it being on his doorstep. We were able to support Ayo with this fund to help him have a hugely successful run, and to see the way that his Fringe debut has catapulted his career since is so exciting.
“I adore the Scottish comedy scene, and as Scots we pride ourselves on our sense of humour. Ask any comedy fan in the world their favourite comedians and most would name Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle. And yet at the biggest arts festival in the world, on our doorstep, local talent is being priced out by the rising costs of performing at the Fringe. And you'll have to dig deep to see a Scottish comic on awards lists…
“The talent that we're at risk of losing are voices from the working class, voices from diverse, underrepresented groups and I would argue, those are the most interesting voices and the voices that audiences deserve the chance to hear.”
Comedian Ayo Adenekan said, “Getting to debut at the Fringe this year without the financial concerns absolutely changed my career. I would not have been able to afford the marketing, the press, the posters, the street team - things that massively help make a Fringe show a success. I got to focus on my writing and my show and I'm a better comedian for it.
“The fact that this fund was created for Scottish acts, by a Scottish company, is so important. The Scottish scene is often overlooked, even on our doorstep. The Fringe is an international arts festival but it's also a Scottish arts festival.
“I'll forever be grateful for the support I received, financially and also throughout the whole process of debuting at the Fringe.”
The Brass Tacks Debut Fund, partnering with Red Bull UK will mean the winning comic is supported by a team of comedy professionals from producers, technicians, PRs, programmers and more. The fund includes:
• One comedian’s upfront costs associated with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe including registration costs, venue costs, paid PR support, street team, poster and flyer printing, technician costs and bespoke marketing costs
• Brass Tacks Comedy as the comedian’s Fringe producer to guide and support them with Fringe planning including registration, administrative management including contracts, artwork, tech as well marketing planning and delivery, and day-to-day support throughout August
• Mentor support from Brass Tacks Comedy and other industry contacts
• Note: does not include accommodation costs
• View full eligibility criteria below
Brass Tacks Debut Fund Eligibility Criteria
• Comedian is Scottish or has lived in Scotland for the last two years
• Comedian is performing regularly on the Scottish comedy circuit
• Comedian will be in a position to have a 55-60 minute debut solo show ready for August 2026
• Comedian has not taken a 55-60 minute solo show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe previously
• Comedian is able to be in Edinburgh every day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (please note accommodation will not be provided as part of the funding)
• Comedian is willing to promote their Fringe show and will engage with the organisers to make the most of this opportunity, including media interviews, appearances, rehearsals and more
• Comedian feels unable to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival without financial support
Visit www.brasstackscomedy.com and follow @brasstackscomedy for updates on the Brass Tacks Debut Fund.
Image: Ayo Adenekan
Image credit: Beth Moar
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