New Fringe awards planned

Three new awards are to be handed out at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.

The List magazine and the Writers Guild of Great Britain are combining to honour the best comedy writing, best performer and best drama writing.

Details of the prizes have yet to be finalised, but the writers will receive at least £500, and possibly the chance to have their work optioned by TV and radio producers.

Organisers are still recruiting the initial judges who will decide which of the hundreds of Fringe shows should be shortlisted for consideration.

Dave Cohen, from the Writers Guild, is inviting applications from would-be judges who will be in Edinburgh from Augut 1 to 13. There’s no accommodation paid for, but those selected will be able to see as many Edinburgh shows as they can pack into a day for free.

If you're interested just send a 200 word review of anything you've seen recently – ‘it could be a film, a gig, a  comedy show, anything’ – to Dave Cohen on bindmancohen@hotmail.com by Monday July 18.

• The Dubble Act award – presented by the makers of Fair Trade chocolate to the best double act on the Fringe – will again be awarded this year.Judge Mervyn Sutter said: ‘The double act needs encouraging as it is an extremely hard discipline. There are two of you in front of the audience and a unique understanding and timing has to be developed to be successful - in that sense it’s easier to work alone plus it’s more cost effective.’

Published: 11 Jul 2005