We are LAFS, a new charitable CIC that’s putting working class people first. We’re coming to the Ed Fringe 2026 with a platform and award aimed at people for whom staging a fringe show is a massive financial risk.

 

Founded by two comedians and a theatre producer, LAFS aims to facilitate and amplify working class performers. Every day, at midday from the 7th to the 31st of August, Nic 7 (Nicolson Square Gardens) at Hoots @ Nicolson Square will become home to ‘1 Hour of LAFS’, a mixed bill showcasing acts eligible for our brand new Bannerett Award.

 

The Award is a £1500 cash prize awarded to an act of any type that exemplifies the best of those for whom taking a show to Scotland is a financial risk. They give more than those in expensive paid venues and receive much less coverage and support. The Bannerett celebrates the sacrifice of these performers. 

 

The ceremony will be held on the 24th of August at Bannermans from 7:30 PM. There will be a complimentary drink for the first 100 people through the door, and a networking opportunity after the prizegiving.

 

The founders are also staging their own hour shows this year, at The Apex Hotel. Sam Rhodes (who has two specials on Amazon and is an international touring comic, but is doing his first solo hour) will be performing ‘Toy Coccoon’ at 21:50 Hoot 5 at Hoots @ The Apex. 

 

His wife and Co-Founder Maria Fedulova will be performing her sequel to her massively successful debut Russian. Mafia, Family in 2024, entitled ‘Literal Saint’, about living up to the standards of piety set by having a Great Grandmother who is a canonized Russian Orthodox Saint. Her show is at 22:50 Hoot 3 at Hoots @ The Apex, so it's easy to view both shows back to back.

 

As well as hosting ‘1 Hour of LAFS’ and the Bannerett Award at Bannermans, founder Jason Weinberg will be head of the LAFS judging committee, and running a social media account (@LAFSUK) highlighting the acts who make the shortlist. 

 

This award is about amplifying the voice of those brave enough to risk it all for a month of no work and high costs, just to get their art seen. Support for LAFS is  support for those who fight hard to get their voices heard.

 

Go on, do it for the LAFS!