Accolade for pure stand-up

Perrier award organisers are considering a new prize for pure stand-up.

Director Nica Burns said the new accolade could be handed out at next year's Fringe, if the comedy industry demanded it.

Her statement came in response to comments by London Evening Standard critic - and Perrier panellist - Bruce Dessau, who argued that by championing character comics and sketch shows, the awards have failed to acknowledge the art of stand-up.

Burns promised to consult agents, promoters and critics before coming to any decision about changing the awards' format.

But she said her inclination was to retain the single award for the funniest show at the Edinburgh festival, no matter what the style.

And she added that any change to the 22-year-old awards would inevitably lead to arguments about eligibility.

Published: 4 Aug 2003