Sam Simmons wins 2015 Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award

Sam Simmons has picked up the top prize at this year’s Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Simmons’ show Spaghetti for Breakfast, which ran at Underbelly, has been named best comedy show as part of the awards, now in their 35th year.

Simmons, who has previously been nominated for the prize twice, beat off competition from fellow comedians James Acaster, Joseph Morpurgo, Kieran Hodgson, Nish Kumar, Sarah Kendall, Seymour Mace and Trygve Wakenshaw to win the £10,000 prize.

The awards’ producer Nica Burns said: “Sam Simmons has funny bones. He is a complete original, combining physical comedy with great verbal jokes and a unique take on life. His 2015 Edinburgh show is outstanding. This is a comedian at the top of his craft who has grown substantially since his two earlier nominations.”

The best newcomer category was won by Sofie Hagen, whose show Bubblewrap won her the title and £5,000.

Other nominees for best newcomer included Adam Hess, Larry Dean, Tom Ballard and Tom Parry.

John Henry Falle’s The Story Beast and sketch trio Daphne were also up for the prize.

The panel prize was awarded to Guilded Balloon founder Karen Koren, who steps down this year after running the Edinburgh comedy venue for 30 years.

Lucy Lumsden, chair of the panel and head of comedy at Sky, said: “Karen Koren encapsulates the true spirit of the fringe in so many ways. Entrepreneurial, warm-hearted, a great survivor and a huge supporter and spotter of new talent. Her So You Think You’re Funny? comedy competition, now in its 28th year, has been the start of many comedy careers. As she steps down in her 30th year, handing over custodianship and securing the future of her legacy to her daughter, this is Karen’s moment. Our time to celebrate her guiding comedy spirit of the last 30 years.”

The awards were presented by last year’s best show winner John Kearns and cricketer Freddie Flintoff.