First Douglas Adams Award

Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding - who perform as The Boosh - are to be the first winners of a new comedy writing award set up in memory of Douglas Adams.

The award, for innovative comedy writing on BBC radio, will be presented by Adams's widow Jane on Tuesday November 6.

Barratt and Fielding's first attempt at writing for a radio audience is currently being broadcast on Radio 4 on Tuesday nights.

The surreal show was originally developed for London Live (now BBC London) before getting its national airing.

Barratt said of his prize, which includes a £5,000 script commission: "I grew up with Douglas Adams' comedy. This is a very great honour."

The Douglas Adams Award was proposed by the BBC's head of radio entertainment, John Pidgeon, following the death of the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy creator earlier this year.

Jenny Abramsky, director of BBC Radio, said; "This new award will recognise the achievements of our most innovative writers whilst marking the unique contribution Douglas Adams made to radio comedy."

Barratt and Fielding's first show, The Mighty Boosh, won the Perrier best newcomer award at the 1998 Edinburgh festival.

So Long And Thanks For All The Fish - A Tribute To Douglas Adams will broadcast on Radio 4 on Thursday November 8 at 6.30pm.

Published: 26 Oct 2001