Studiously funny
Chortle crowns student comedy king
Young Irish stand-up Donnchadh O'Conaill was last night named Chortle’s Student Comedian Of The Year.
His quietly spoken one-liners triumphed over six other finalists at the sold-out event, which was held on the Tattershall Castle paddle steamer and hosted by Simon Amstell.
O'Conaill, who is in the first year of his philosophy PhD studies at Durham university, says he is inspired by Woody Allen, Demetri Martin and Peter Cook.
As well as the title, he wins a week at the Edinburgh fringe.
Runner-up was Chris Martin, a first year English literature undergraduate at Newcastle university who is a regular on the open mic circuit.
The other finalists were Darren Richman, who performed in character as Mr Headmaster, Andrew Vaughan, Tony Richardson, Simon Bird and Paul Hayfield. Dominic Elliott Spencer, who won the Midlands heat, dropped out before the show.
Entries for next year’s competition will open in the autumn term.Published: 16 May 2006
