Gothenburg Fringe 2026 has come to a close and on the final night, artists, audience and volunteers gathered en masse to 2Lång to celebrate the people that have made the past 10 days so wonderful.
Our annual awards were handed out throughout the evening with nine prizes up for grabs. Check out the nominees and winners below.
Audience Choice Award
The show most beloved by the audiences in Gothenburg
Winner: Welcome to the Meatlife by Sam Message
The Hype Award
An outstanding show which generated excitement among the Fringe community during the festival
Nominees:
Are You Lovin’ It? by Theatre Group Gumbo
Jessica Barton: Dirty Work
Hot Death Theatre: POWERsuit
Winner:
Jessica Barton: Dirty Work
Burning Issue (formerly Hot Potato) Award
A show that brilliantly addresses current societal issues
Nominees:
Welcome to the Meatlife by Sam Message
Mellow Drama by Becca Hoback
The Pink List by Fabulett Productions / Michael Trauffer
Winner:
The Pink List by Fabulett Productions / Michael Trauffer
City is our Stage Award
A performance which made the best use of their venue and given space
Nominees:
Bright Silicone Light by Meeri Aro, Alexander Gallimore and Isobel Hanson
22 Stops by Katerina Drakopolou
Spill The Tea by Carmel Clavin
Winner:
Bright Silicone Light by Meeri Aro, Alexander Gallimore and Isobel Hanson
Simply the Best
The best show with simple means
Nominees:
Delusiions and Grandeur by Karen Hall
Thor’s a Dick by Eden Ballatyne
Vignettes by James Dalton
Winner:
Vignettes by James Dalton
GEST Best in Fest
An outstanding English-language theatre show
Nominees:
Mörk by Theatre of Menace
Why English? by Vibhinna Ramdev
Are You Lovin’ It? by Theatre Group Gumbo
Winner:
Why English? by Vibhinna Ramdev
Fringe of the Fringe
Best of the most unusual and alternative performances
Nominees:
Hot Death Theatre: POWERsuit
Are You Lovin’ It? by Theatre Group Gumbo
Pickle Based Game Show by Liam Duffy
Winner:
Are You Lovin’ It? by Theatre Group Gumbo
Mind Blown Award
The performance that captivated the audience the most
Nominees:
Mutual by Mailantia Dance Company
The Pink List by Fabulett Productions / Michael Trauffer
Harold and Armando are Dead by Three Birds One Stone Theater
Winner:
Mutual by Mailantia Dance Company
Spirit of the Fringe
A person or group who embodied the spirit of Gothenburg Fringe in what they did at the festival
Winner: Ceri Taylor
