CORK, IRELAND—Cork comedian Roger O’Sullivan has expressed his astonishment after being named the Best Newcomer at the prestigious Comedians’ Choice Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The award, voted on solely by fellow performers, holds a special significance for O’Sullivan, who has been working to establish himself in the stand-up scene since moving to London a few years ago.
Speaking on The Ray D’Arcy Show, O’Sullivan said the win has “kind of blown me away,” and that it made him feel “accepted” by his peers. He anticipates that the recognition will open doors for him in the industry, from booking venues to appearing on panel shows.
The comedian also revealed that his acclaimed show, Fekken, almost didn’t happen. A month and a half before the festival, his original venue fell through, leaving him ready to give up. He credits fellow Irish comedian and Best Show winner, Alison Spittle, with convincing him to push through. Spittle, who won for her show Big, helped O’Sullivan secure a last-minute venue, saving his Edinburgh Fringe debut.
Fekken is a deeply personal and creative show, with a title that is a play on the classic Irish phrase “feck” and the PlayStation 1 game Tekken. The show explores O’Sullivan’s relationship with his father, who he feels he struggles to connect with, and the core premise is about them fighting over a land dispute in the video game to bridge their differences. The show has been praised for its blend of nostalgia, personal storytelling, and sharp comedic writing.
