As women lead the way

Susie McCabe was a double winner at the Scottish Comedy Awards last night, taking home best headliner and best show.

‘These awards mean the world to me!,’ she posted on social media. ‘Thank you to every single person who came to see Domestic Disaster.’

The show was about her moving back in with her parents after a relationship breakdown, and addresses  the sexism of being expected to be good at housework, and internalised misogyny.

Elsewhere, Kevin Bridges won event of the year for his residency at The Hydro, and Frankie Boyle won best TV comedian.

But women dominated the live caterories, with six of the 10 performance awards going female performers.

Among them were Amy Matthews, who won best newcomer. She tweeted: ‘I love this job and I love this circuit.  This little Essex gal is very lucky to call you home.  Thanks to anyone who has ever booked me, or said something nice, or said something constructive. This is nice.’

Gavin Mitchell said he was ‘chuffed’ to be named best actor for his role as Boabby the pub landlord in Still Game, adding: ‘Especially touched and humbled since it comes from my peers, thank you so much. Much love and thanks.’

Outgoing Stand director Kenny O’Brien was giving an award for Outstanding Contribution and Paul Sneddon, who performs as Vladimir McTavish, received a lifetime achievement award

Voting was limited to those who work within the Scottish comedy industry either as performers, writers, or production staff.

Here are all of last night’s winners

Best Headliner: Susie McCabe

Best Newcomer: Amy Matthews

Best Compere: Jay Lafferty

Breakthrough Act: Christopher MacArthur-Boyd

Best Variety / Improv:  Stu and Garry

Best TV Comedian:  Frankie Boyle

Best Radio Comedian: Billy Kirkwood, who hosts the breakfast show on West FM

Best Festival Solo Show: Domestic Disaster

Best Actor or Actress: Gavin Mitchell for Still Game

Best TV Show:  Still Game

Best Radio Show: Breaking The News

Best Online Comedy: Janey Godley

Best Writer: Elaine Malcolmson of BBC Breaking the News

Best Event: Kevin Bridges residency at The Hydro 

Best Comedy Club:  The Stand, Glasgow

Best Comedy Night: Enterteasment

• McCabe and best breakthrough act Christopher MacArthur-Boyd are among the 28 acts taking part in Chortle’s Fast Fringe at the Underbelly festival on London’s South Bank on July 1. Tickets here.

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Published: 12 Jun 2019