Hall wins Australia's Barry Award

Rich Hall has won the Barry Award, the biggest accolade for live comedy award in Australia.

The American won the prize at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which ends tomorrow, although he returned to the UK two weeks ago, for an ongoing tour.

He beat off competition from British double-act Max & Ivan, South African stand-up Trevor Noah and Australian acts Hannah Gadsby, Michael Workman, Kitty Flanagan and John Conway.

Luke McGregor won the best newcomer title, which is only open to antipodean acts, with Steen Raskopoulus, Dayne Rathbone and Damien Power also nominated.

The ‘Piece Of Wood Award’ for the comedians’ comedian – an actual piece of wood handed down along the years – went to David Quirk.

Arj Barker won the people's choice award for the biggest box office; Simon Kech won the Golden Gibbo for the local independent comedian doing artistically interesting work; and Mel Buttle won the Festival Directors' award.

It is the second year running that the Barry, named in honour of Barry Humphries, has gone to a largely UK-based American, after Dr Brown took the title last year.

 Hall said in a statement  read out in Melbourne by former Barry winners The Pajama Men: 'This is so fantastic. It's a real kick in the pants. To all the other magnificent comedians I'm lucky to be in your company.’

Click to read our reviews of the winning shows by Rich Hall, Luke McGregor and David Quirk.

Published: 20 Apr 2013