Samuel Barnett named first winner of The Stage Edinburgh Awards 2022

Actor Samuel Barnett is the first winner of The Stage Edinburgh Awards 2022. 

Barnett was recognised for his performance in Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen, a dark comedy about a 36-year-old comedian. 

The production, which is running at Roundabout at Summerhall, is written by Marcelo Dos Santos, directed by Matthew Xia and produced by Francesca Moody Productions.

Critic Fergus Morgan said: "Samuel Barnett could read the telephone directory and it would be entertaining. 

"He holds the Roundabout audience in the palm of his hand for the duration of Marcelo Dos Santos’ monologue, his anxious, angsty performance turning a solid play into a sensational, sparkling show. It is one of the finest pieces of acting at the festival."

The Stage Edinburgh Awards celebrate performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and are the only awards to focus solely on acting. They are awarded throughout August and are not defined by category. Winners can be solo performers or an ensemble.