Chortle awards shortlist revealed

Daniel Kitson, Will Smith (pictured) and Alun Cochrane lead the running in this year’s Chortle live comedy awards.

Each has been nominated for two awards for their work over the past 12 months, as have Mark Watson, who impressed Edinburgh with his Overambitious 24-Hour Show, and visiting American musical group the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players.

Smith is in the running for best headliner, just a year after being nominated for best breakthrough act, as well as for his Edinburgh show 10 Arguments I Should Have Won, which is touring this spring.

Former Perrier-winner Kitson is up for best compere and best solo show, despite cutting down on his gigging schedule this year.

The winners will be named at a ceremony hosted by Jimmy Carr in Madame JoJo’s cabaret club in Soho, central London, on March 14.

The nominees are…

Best newcomer

Russell Kane
Josie Long
Isy Suttie

Best compere

Alun Cochrane
Adam Hills
Daniel Kitson

Breakthrough act

Alun Cochrane
Rhod Gilbert
Mark Watson

Best headliner

Chris Addison
Andrew Maxwell
Will Smith

Best sketch, variety or character act

Flight Of The Conchords
Jeremy Lion
Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players

Award for innovation

Mark Watson for his Overambitous 24-Hour Show
Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Wil Hodgson

Best full-length solo show

Daniel Kitson’s Edinburgh show
Will Smith: 10 Arguments I Should Have Won
Bill Bailey: Part Troll

Awards for best off-stage contribution, lifetime’s achievement, people’s choice, comics’ comic and for the best comedy clubs will also be announced on the night.

Most of the awards are decided by a panel of judges – critics, promoters and producers – others by a poll of Chortle readers.

Published: 2 Mar 2005