Kitson's Chortle award hat-trick

Daniel Kitson has triumphed in the Chortle awards, with a hat-trick of accolades.

Even though he cut down on performing live last year, he has still scooped the awards for best one-man show, for his Edinburgh Fringe offering, best compere and people’s choice.

It brings his total number of prizes to eight over the four years the awards have been going – more than twice his closest rival, Ross Noble.

In other categories, Andrew Maxwell was voted the comics’ comic, to the delight of the audience.

He said: "This means a lot to me. If it wasn't for comedy and other comedians, I would be a freak in this world. Two years ago, I felt like giving up, and so many other comedians spurred me on."

Will Smith was named best headliner, to his genuine surprise – a huge leap since winning best breakthrough act 12 months ago – an accolade that went to Rhod Gilbert this year

Josie Long was named best newcomer, collecting her award with 'Fuck Jongleurs' written down one arm, and a 'I Love Niche Appeal' on the other.

And Mark Watson won the award for innovation, for his 24-hour show at Edinburghlast year. Picking up his award from Dave Gorman, he took a sly swipe at comedians' natural cynicsim, saying: "Never mind all this defensive cool I'm happy to have won. I like getting awards."

Most venues retained their awards: XS Malarkey in Manchester and Brighton’s Komedia club making it four years in a row. But in London, the Amused Moose lost the title of best small club it has held for three years to weekly gay venue Comedy Camp.

And in the last award of the night, Malcolm Hardee was posthumously honoured with a lifetime achievement award. His brother and sister collected it on his behalf from Arthus Smith, who said to the comedy industry audience: "He borrowed money off many of you, and attempted to fuck a good number of you. But he could always be relied on to inject some spirit into an evening that could otherwise have turned beige."

The awards were hosted by Jimmy Carr at Madame JoJo’s in Central London, with presenters including Dara O’Briain, chick lit author Kathy Lette, Virgin Radio DJ Kelly and Red Dwarf’s Norman Lovett and Danny-John Jules.

The full list of winners is:

Best compere: Daniel Kitson
Nominees: Alun Cochrane, Adam Hills

Breakthrough act: Rhod Gilbert
Nominees: Alun Cochrane, Mark Watson

Best headliner: Will Smith
Nominees: Chris Addison, Andrew Maxwell

People's Choice: Daniel Kitson

Comics' Comic: Andrew Maxwell

Best sketch, variety or character act: Flight Of The Conchords
Nominees: Jeremy Lion, Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players

Award for innovation: Mark Watson for his Overambitous 24-Hour Show
Nominees: Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, Wil Hodgson

North: XS Malarkey, Manchester
South: The Komedia, Brighton
Midlands: Just The Tonic, Nottingham
Scotland: The Stand, Edinburgh
West and Wales: Glee, Cardiff
London, large venue: The Comedy Store
London, small venue: Comedy Camp

Published: 15 Mar 2005