The Edinburgh Comedy Awards have announced shortlists for best show and best newcomer, with Mexican-American comedian Lara Ricote widely tipped for the main prize for Inkling. The selections point to a Fringe comedy scene marked by surreal, eccentric and “whimsical” work, while the article notes relatively little overtly political or socially engaged comedy among the nominees.

Best show nominees include returning contenders Chris Cantrill, Dan Tiernan and Spencer Jones, alongside Harriet Dyer, Li Jin Hao and Ricote. Newcomer nominees include Marty Gleeson, Underground Monk Show, Tom Towelling, Dom McGovern, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Freddie Meredith and Omar Badawy; winners, announced on Saturday, will receive £10,000 for best show and £5,000 for best newcomer.