24 August 2025
Marco Gandolfi
The Pleasance Theatre Trust has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse of new comedy, taking home both of the top honors at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2025. Comedians Sam Nicoresti and Ayoade Bamgboye, both part of the Pleasance's acclaimed program, were recognized for their standout shows at the festival.
Sam Nicoresti’s show, 'Baby Doomer,' was awarded The Taffner Family Best Comedy Show. A highly anticipated follow-up to their previous work, the show is a hilarious and heartfelt story about a personal journey of self-discovery. Nicoresti, a LSQ Theatre New Comedian winner, takes the audience on a journey from a comedy night in a care home to the standing stones of Cornwall, all while searching for the perfect skirt suit.
Meanwhile, Ayoade Bamgboye was named The DLT Entertainment Best Newcomer for her debut show, 'Swings and Roundabouts.' The Nigerian stand-up draws on her experiences of moving to the UK, using her sharp wit and undeniable confidence to explore big questions about identity. Her show is a moving and often hilarious look at finding her place in a country where she's "too British to stop apologising and too Nigerian to shop shouting.”
Anthony Alderson, Director of the Pleasance Theatre Trust, expressed his delight at the double win. “I could not be more delighted that Ayoade Bamgboye and Sam Nicoresti have both won the Edinburgh Comedy Awards this year. Their material is incredible and they deserve every accolade.”
Head of Comedy, Ryan Taylor, echoed this sentiment, adding that both winners "demonstrate the brilliance of this industry and they deserve every success." The prestigious awards, which have been celebrating comedic talent since 1981, have a rich history of recognizing future stars, and this year's winners are no exception. Tickets for the winning shows are available via the Pleasance website.
