Irene Pink wins newcomers' title

Jo Enright and Irene Pink have both won accolades in competitions designed to showcase female comedy talent.

They both received their prizes at Jongleurs in Camden, north London, last night in comedy contests sponsored by Bodyform.

Enright won the comedienne of the year title on the strength of audience votes taken during an all-women comedy tour that visited Jongleurs clubs across the country,

The 33-year-old Brummie was judged the most popular performer on the sell-out six-date tour.

In a separate competition for up-and-coming acts, 29-year-old Pink polled the most audience votes in the So You Think You're Really Funny? contest.

She has been performing stand-up for five years, half that time spent in her native New Zealand.

Professional comic Mary Bourke was named runner-up

Judges chose five acts to appear in the showcase, based on videos submitted to Jongleurs.

Others taking part were Vicki Frango, a 25-year old web designer, Sally Bourne, a 35-year-old active in musical theatre, and Shazia Mirza, a 26-year-old former teacher who is now Britain's only female Muslim comic.

Bodyform brand manager Diana Schmidt said: "As well as being talemted, you need to be very bold and confident to come up on stage to do stand-up."

The Bodyform sponsorship did not extend to a cash prize on the night, but the kudos will prove useful.

Published: 16 Nov 2001