But this time chosen by comics

A new series of awards is being launched at the Edinburgh Fringe today, chosen entirely by comedians, Chortle can reveal.

The Barry Awards – unconnected to the top prize at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which shares its name – has been set up by stand-up Barry Ferns.

Each show registered with the Fringe office gets one vote for each of the three categories: best show; best act (any individual performer); and best person (not necessarily a performer, anyone connected with the comedy industry in Edinburgh).

Ferns, who runs the Angel Comedy Club in London as well as performing his own festival show, said the awards would be the first to be ‘transparent and impartial’ as there are no judges or industry experts.

He said: ‘The award is intended to help highlight the amazing and brilliant work of the many unrecognised performers at the Fringe – who are often not visible or promoted within the comedy industry.

‘These awards are not intended as a criticism of any other award, but are meant to be a feel-good addition to the Fringe, the chance for comedians to give a big pat on the back, and show their support for the comedy community.’

‘Every show at the festival is eligible - not just those with full hour shows, or new performers, it is not about “sellability” or who will look best on TV, in these awards anyone with a show registered in the brochure is in with a chance of winning.

‘There can be no more meaningful award for any performer to be recognised by their peers, and so it is with the intention behind this award.’

Voting is open now here and closes at 5pm on Friday. The winners will be notified at the end of their final performances over the weekend, or in person if this is not possible.

Ferns says he and co-organiser Gareth Morinan are working with the Fringe office to ensure votes are valid. There is only one vote per show listed, irrespective of how many people might be in the show; no person can vote for themselves and no more than one vote per person, no matter how many shows they have at the Fringe.

The Melbourne festival prize is named in honour of Barry Humphries and has been awarded since 1998, taking its current name in 2000. It is for the most outstanding show of the festival and chosen by a panel of judges, similar to the Foster’s Edinburgh award.

Published: 16 Aug 2014