Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Edinburgh Fringe 2017: The 15 funniest jokes have been revealed

The festival’s funniest quips according to the public

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 22 August 2017 00:02 BST
Comments
Frankie Boyle’s one-liner about Donald Trump was beaten into second place
Frankie Boyle’s one-liner about Donald Trump was beaten into second place

Your support helps us to tell the story

In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.

Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.

Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives

Head shot of Kelly Rissman

Kelly Rissman

US News Reporter

The funniest jokes at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe have been revealed, with comedian Ken Cheng emerging as the 2017 victor.

British-born professional poker player Cheng became the 10th winner of Dave’s Funniest Joke Of The Fringe award with the quip: “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.”

The joke was taken from his comedy show “Ken Cheng: Chinese Comedian”.

After winning the prize, Cheng – whose big break came when he reached the final of the 2015 BBC Radio New Comedy Award – said: “I am very proud to have won. As a tribute, I will name my firstborn son after this award and call him ‘Joke of the Fringe’.”

The top 15 was comprised of many standout comics including Alexei Sayle, Angela Barnes, Ed Byrne and former two-time winner Tim Vine.

In second place was Scottish comic Frankie Boyle with the line: “Trump’s nothing like Hitler. There’s no way he could write a book.”

Dave’s poll is voted for by 2,000 members of the public – here are the top 15 one-liners with the percentage of votes polled.

1. “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng (above) – 33%

2. “Trump’s nothing like Hitler. There’s no way he could write a book.” Frankie Boyle – 30%

3. “I’ve given up asking rhetorical questions. What’s the point?” Alexei Sayle – 29%

4. “I’m looking for the girl next door type. I’m just gonna keep moving house till I find her.” Lew Fitz – 28%

5. “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated.” Andy Field – 27%

6. “Combine Harvesters. And you’ll have a really big restaurant.” Mark Simmons – 27%

7. “I’m rubbish with names. It’s not my fault, it’s a condition. There’s a name for it...” Jimeoin – 26%

8. “I have two boys, 5 and 6. We’re no good at naming things in our house.” Ed Byrne – 24%

9. “I wasn’t particularly close to my dad before he died... which was lucky, because he trod on a land mine.” Olaf Falafel – 24%

10. “Whenever someone says, ‘I don’t believe in coincidences.’ I say, ‘Oh my God, me neither!”’ Alasdair Beckett-King – 23%

11. “A friend tricked me into going to Wimbledon by telling me it was a men’s singles event.” Angela Barnes – 20%

12. “As a vegan, I think people who sell meat are disgusting; but apparently people who sell fruit and veg are grocer.” Adele Cliff – 20%

13. “For me dying is a lot like going camping. I don’t want to do it.” Phil Wang – 20%

14. “I wonder how many chameleons snuck onto the Ark.” Adam Hess – 18%

15. “I went to a Pretenders gig. It was a tribute act.” Tim Vine – 18%

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in