A young comedian from Livingston is poised to make a splash at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, thanks to a transformative award. Eva Peroni, just 21 years old, has been selected as the recipient of the Brass Tacks Debut Fund, a vital lifeline for emerging talent.
Eva’s journey to the stage began unexpectedly in 2022, while living in Costa Rica. She quickly discovered a passion for performance, honing her skills and developing a unique voice that caught the attention of industry insiders.
The Fringe, renowned for its vibrant energy and open access, often presents a daunting financial hurdle for new performers. Venue hire, marketing, and production costs can be crippling, effectively silencing promising voices. This fund directly addresses that challenge.
“It didn’t really feel possible,” Eva admits, reflecting on the prospect of debuting a show without substantial financial backing. “Knowing how much it costs to bring a show to the Fringe… this fund makes it possible not only to do a show, but to give it a real chance too.”
The Brass Tacks Debut Fund aims to level the playing field, ensuring that talent, not wealth, determines success. It’s a mission inspired by the festival’s original spirit – a place where anyone with a story to tell could find an audience.
Last year’s winner, Ayo Adenekan, experienced a meteoric rise after receiving the award. His sold-out debut earned critical acclaim, leading to a full-time comedy career, representation by a leading talent agency, and appearances on national television.
Eva hopes to follow in Ayo’s footsteps with her show, “Jungled,” a deeply personal exploration of classism at Edinburgh University, navigating identity as a queer person in Latin America, and the complexities of belonging. It’s a story born from her own experiences.
The fund provides comprehensive support, covering essential costs like venue hire, technical production, marketing, and PR. Brass Tacks Comedy will also serve as Eva’s producer, offering invaluable mentorship and day-to-day guidance throughout the festival.
Eva balances her burgeoning comedy career with a demanding university degree in Global Law, and regularly performs at prominent Scottish comedy clubs like The Stand and Monkey Barrel. She’s also a co-host and resident MC, constantly refining her craft.
“It means so much to have been selected,” Eva shares, her excitement palpable. “Especially after seeing how much success Ayo had… I’m so excited to be working with companies that are making an effort to bring eyes to the Scottish scene!”
The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of industry experts carefully evaluating applications. Katie Palmer of Brass Tacks Comedy expressed unwavering confidence in Eva’s potential, calling her “one of Scotland’s most talented rising stars.”
This isn’t just about funding a show; it’s about investing in a future. It’s about recognizing and nurturing the raw talent that deserves a platform, and ensuring that the Edinburgh Fringe remains a beacon of opportunity for all.
“Jungled” promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking debut, a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of believing in emerging voices.
