Hess scoops Chortle's student award

Adam Hess, an economics student from Sussex University has been crowned the student comedian of the year.

The 21-year-old, from Croydon, triumphed in the Chortle Student Comedy Award Final at the Edinburgh Fringe on Sunday night after his fast-paced set of one-liners impressed a panel of comedy industry judges.

The economics student receives £1,000 – as well as the leg-up the career ladder the kudos will give him. Previous finalists have included The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird, Radio 1’s Tom Deacon and Friday Night Dinner’s Tom Rosenthal.

The £250 runner-up prize went to 22-year-old Glenn Moore, who is doing an MA in broadcast journalism at Sheffield, and originally from Brighton.

Richard Hanrahan, 24, from Harlow but studying film in Edinburgh came third.

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: ‘We had a strong and diverse final of the Student Comedy Award today, and I suspect all of these talented performers have a future in comedy. But Adam’s manic energy swung the decision in his favour. He’s a worthy winner.

Published: 28 Aug 2011