Call for earlier shorlist

Comedy promoters are calling on the Perrier shortlist to be revealed earlier so they can cash in on the prized nominations.

The contenders for comedy's most coveted prize are usually announced just a few days before the end of the festival - this year on August 22.

Nominated shows are usually a sell-out from that point on.

Mary Shields, associate director of the Assembly Rooms, said: "The Perrier hugely increases the profile of the performers, and if it can happen earlier, it can only be a good thing.

"Some of the bigger acts might not need that kind of push, but there are inevitably surprise names on the list that would benefit immensely."

But brining the date forward would require an increase in the number of Perrier panellists, who have to see every one of the hundreds of shows eligible before announcing the shortlist.

Currently ten people - a mix of critics, television executives and punters - make the decision.

Perrier director Nica Burns told the Edinburgh Evening News she was concerned that she could "retain the quality of the judges and the standard of the debate" if the timetable was accelerated, although she did not rule out the possibility.

An early announcement might also adversely affect shows not nominated.

Published: 9 Aug 2002