2024 marks a momentous year in the history of comedy — yes, we are suggesting that until this year, comedy in mainland Europe has gone largely unrecognized by the greater industry. So, we sent some of our most astute reviewers to the Edinburgh Fringe to watch for winners of the first annual European Comedy Award. While there, we saw comedy shows from all over Europe, including a comedic one-woman play from Germany, an hour of physical comedy from Prague, and much more.
European Comedy Award 2024 x Barcelona’s Comedy Clubhouse
As the European comedy scene continues to grow, it’s only fitting that the talent coming from it is recognized. Barcelona’s Comedy Clubhouse is pivotal to growing European comedy as the home to Michelle Wolf and Kyla Cobbler, with drop-ins from comedians such as Mark Normand, Trevor Noah, Tim Meadows, and more. To further the Comedy Clubhouse’s growth and recognition in conjunction with the growth of the greater scene throughout mainland Europe, the European Comedy awards are recognizing the best European-grown talents at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Because of the partnership with the Comedy Clubhouse, the winning comedians will be headlining the Spotlight show, among other spots throughout their time in Barcelona. In addition, they are invited to perform as part of the first annual Barcelona Fringe (November 2–11, 2024).Â
The 2024 winners are:
- Best Show: Abby Wambaugh (First Three Minutes of 17 Shows) and Terence Hartnett (1 Lung Run)
- Best Performer: George Zacharopoulos
Abby Wambaugh
Despite their status as the official Edinburgh Fringe’s Best Newcomer, Copenhagen-based Abby Wambaugh is no stranger to what makes a comedy show. In fact, their award-winning debut incorporates 17 (don’t count) shows! A mix of physical comedy, stand-up tropes, clown, and a poignant undercurrent of Abby’s miscarriage and subsequent career as a mom, the show was a festival favorite. We’re eager for the Barcelona audience and comedians to see a little something different, and how our alternative comedic upbringing can inspire a bit of alternative comedy.
George Zacharopoulos
Born and raised in Greece, George Zacharopoulos (known also as George Zak), is the epitome of a professional European comedian. Although he’s since moved to Manchester, George is proof that high-quality comedy can come from countries all over the world. His clever joke-writing mixed with his charismatic delivery and non-stop laughter have made his shows Fringe Festival favorites throughout his 15 years performing stand-up comedy. Definitely one to watch, we can’t wait for George to return to Barcelona and charm audiences once again with his rapid-fire tags and punchlines.
Terence Hartnett
Terence Hartnett is a friend of the Barcelona scene, but that doesn’t take away from the humor and power of his 2024 Edinburgh Fringe show. He first performed an hour about his journey with testicular cancer titled 1 Ball Show, and in 2023, after a new-ish bout with lung cancer, his show became the 1 Ball, 1 Lung Show. And despite all this, Terence ran a marathon! With one lung! This inspired his 2024 show, 1 Lung Run. After three shows dealing with a difficult topic and diagnosis, Terence is an expert at making the dark funny and the humorous hilarious. Now based in Vienna, we’re excited to showcase one of the best and most thoughtful comedians on the European circuit.
Stay tuned to see when they’ll be performing in Barcelona!
