Political comedians get the vote

The nominees have been announced for this year's Barry Award – Australia's most prestigious accolade in live comedy.

Barry Humphries, after whom the prize is named, made a rare appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to unveil the shortlist.

The nominees for the best show at the festival are.

• Anne Edmonds: That's Eddotainment (Review)
• Damien Power: Sell Mum Into Slavery (Review)
• David O'Doherty: We Are All In The Gutter Bur Some Of Us Are Looking At David O'Doherty
• Luisa Omielan: Am I Right Ladies?
• Rhys Nicholson: Bona Fide (Review)
• Tom Ballard jointly for the two shows he has at the festival: Boundless Plains To Share (Review) and The World Keeps Happening
• Zoë Coombs Marr: Trigger Warning (Review)

Several of the comedians nominated have a political angle to their shows. Ballard's Boundless Plains is about Australia's attitude to refugees; Damien Power and David O'Doherty has a routine on marriage equality, which Nicholson also touches on.

And both Edmonds and Power are in True Australian Patriots with Greg Larson, one of the cult hits of the festival which mocks far-right groups.

The best newcomer shortlist, open to only Australian and New Zealand comedians is:

• Demi Lardner: Life Mechanic (Review)
• Guy Montgomery: Guy Montcomedy (Review)
• Rose Matafeo: Finally Dead (Review)
• Tom Walker: Beep Boop

Lardner has previously won both Australia's Raw comedy award, and the So You Think You're Funny competition at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Nominees for the Golden Gibbo for best independently-produced local artist are: Peter and Bambi Heaven, Lessons With Luis, Zoe Coombs Marr and Tommy Dassalo.

Winners are announced late next Saturday night, along with several other awards.

Last year's Barry winner was Sam Simmons, with Corey White as best newcomer.

Published: 11 Apr 2016