Solihull comedian Eden Voss has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2026. The announcement came during a high-energy live final held at the city’s iconic Glee Club on Friday night (October 2nd), marking a significant milestone in a career that began just 14 months ago.
Voss, who walked away with the festival’s signature “Mug of Victory,” captured the attention of both the judges and the audience with a candid, fearless set. He opened his performance with the disarming introduction: “I’m gay, autistic and I’m going to talk about it…” His ability to weave personal experience into comedy proved to be a winning formula.
Reflecting on his victory, Voss expressed both shock and gratitude. “It’s a huge honour,” he said. “Just to be nominated was unbelievable. It’s been incredible, really incredible winning.”
Despite his relatively short time on the circuit, comedy has been a lifelong passion for the performer. He credits his early inspiration to a childhood spent watching comedy on a small, black-and-white bedroom television until the early hours of the morning. His comedic style draws from a diverse range of influences, from the legendary storytelling of Ronnie Corbett to the sharp wit of Victoria Wood and French & Saunders.
Since making an unplanned debut at a Queer As Joke event in July 2025, Voss’s ascent has been rapid. He has already performed across the country, with gigs in Manchester, Bristol, and Kent, and is currently developing his own solo show, Autastic!. The show promises to be a deeply personal exploration of his life and self-discovery.
The judging panel—which included Glee Club founder Mark Tughan and comedian Darren Harriott—praised Voss’s potential, with Harriott noting that the winner displayed all the skills necessary to become a full-time professional.
The final was a showcase of regional talent, featuring performances from four other nominees: Andy Bucks, who ended his set with an unexpected keytar sing-along; Rik Goodman, who shared his vision for a live comedy night; Birmingham native Naph; and Nina Semple, who charmed the crowd with her unique passion for cranes. The evening was expertly steered by MC James Cook, with a special closing set from Hull comedian Louise Atkinson.
Established in 2014, the Breaking Talent Award is a collaborative initiative between the Birmingham Comedy Festival and The Glee Club, designed to spotlight emerging comedians from the West Midlands. Voss joins an impressive roster of past winners, including Josh Pugh and Celya AB.
As the Birmingham Comedy Festival continues until October 11th, local fans will have the chance to see the new champion in action. Eden Voss will perform Autastic! at Cherry Reds on Tuesday, October 6th, at 6:30pm.
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