Kane scoops Australia's top prize

Russell Kane has become the first comic ever to win the top comedy prize at both Melbourne and Edinburgh for the same show.

He completed the ‘grand slam’ by scooping the Barry Award for the best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Awards for Smokescreens And Castles today.

Although he performed only 11 shows at the start of the four-week festival, he triumphed over fellow nominees Paul Foot, Hannah Gadbsy, Tig Notaro, Bob Franklin, Sam Simmons and DeAnne Smith.

Daniel Kitson and Demetri Martin are the only two comedians to have previously won both titles, but they did so with different shows.

Michael Workman was named best newcomer for his show Humans Are Beautiful, on a shortlist that also included Zoe Coombs Marr, John Conway and Toby Halligan. Only Australian acts are eligible in this category.

The Golden Gibbo award, given out in memory of the late Lynda Gibson to a ‘local, independent show which pursues the artist’s idea more strongly than any commercial lure’ was given to musical comedian Geraldine Quinn.

Wil Anderson won the Bulmer’s People’s Choice Award for the second year running; while the festival director’s award went to veteran Denise Scott.

Finally, the Piece Of Wood Award for the comedians' comedian, passed down from previous winners, went to Harley Breen.

Published: 23 Apr 2011