Cryer hosts 2003 Chortle awards

Barry Cryer is to host next year's Chortle awards, honouring the best in live comedy.

The veteran comic will preside over the prizegiving ceremony, to be held at Jongleurs in Camden, north London, on Monday February 24.

Ten accolades will be presented to performers - from newcomers to established touring acts - mostly chosen by a panel of critics and other industry insiders.

There will also be a comedian's comedian award and a people's choice award, chosen by visitors to the website. A poll will also determine the seven regional winners of the best club awards.

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: "Comedy is best seen live - and now the British Comedy Awards has chosen to ditch its stand-up category, these are the only national accolades honouring comedians who can cut it in front of a live audience.

"This isn't about making comics take part in competitions, or about using comedy to sell a product, but just a way of honouring to those talented comedians who the panel think deserve wider recognition."

Online voting starts in the new year.

The judging panel comprises:

• Steve Bennett - Editor, Chortle
• William Cook - Comedy correspondent The Guardian
• Bruce Dessau - Comedy correspondent London Evening Standard
• Jason Hall - Comedy correspondent, Edinburgh Evening News
• Christian Knowles - Nationwide comedy promoter, CK Productions
• Stephanie Merritt - Comedy correspondent, The Observer
• Darren Rose - Producer ITV's Take The Mike

The awards are:

• Best Touring Comedian
• Best Headliner
• Best Breakthrough Act
• Best Sketch
• Character or Variety Act
• Best Newcomer
• Best Compere
• Best Contribution By A Non-Performer
• People's Choice
• Comedian's Comedian
• Outstanding Contribution Award
• Best Venue: London (large), London (small), Scotland, North, Midland/East, Wales/West, South
  

For last year's winners

Published: 18 Dec 2002