Awards for Morris, Amos and Smith

Julia Morris, Stephen K Amos and Will Smith have won this year's Time Out comedy awards.

The trio were presented with their awards by the magazine's comedy editor, Malcolm Hay, today at a London bash hosted by Rich Hall.

He said: "Time Out's comedy section began as less than a page in 1983 - though it was called 'cabaret'. Since then the London comedy ciruit has grown to become the business it is today. And it is a business, surviving without subsidy.

"But at its best, comedy can also be a form of art - and we're honouring three very artful comics today.

"These awards are a reflection of what's been happening in London over the past 52 weeks - the complete opposite of the Perrier, which is decided on the strength of three weeks in Edinburgh.

Of Morris, who won the award for Best Comedy Performances, he said: "She tells great stories and has a wonderful sense of humour. There are 300,000 Australians in London, but she's one of the special ones."

Accepting the award, she said: "I'm shocked to my very foundations. And the best part of it is: women aren't funny.

"I'm delighted. it's going on my mantelpiece, besides lots of pictures of me."

Will Smith, right, won the Outstanding Achievement award, with Hay describing him as "a great comedy writer who trades on his posh boy image to great effect. He can get laughs just from standing on stage."

Smith said: "When I started, I just wanted to get my name listed in Time Out - so this is marvellous. It's a real thrill to get this... and on the same day I'm going to be on Richard and Judy, too."

Awarding Stephen K Amos the prize for Best Stand-Up, Hay said: "He's a charmer who radiates a Mr Nice Guy image. He can take a rough audience and have them eating out of the palm of his hand.

"It makes him one of the best compares, and a very good stand-up - a stylish master craftsman who believes comedy is all about having fun."

Amos, left, said: "At least these awards have gone to three really deserving people. In Edinburgh I lost out big time. Now I feel like Halle Berry."

Published: 30 Jan 2004