Overwhelming response to Chortle Awards call

Almost 8,000 Chortle readers have praised comedy’s Legends Of Lockdown for helping them through the pandemic.

In place of the regular Chortle Awards, this year we will be  honouring a dozen innovative performers, producers and others who have kept the laughs coming in the face of Covid-19.

We asked you to suggest names of comedians, producers and others who have put on streamed gigs, podcasts, video content and more over the past 12 months – and you responded in droves. By today’s 10am closing time we had received an incredible 7,898 responses.

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to this – it’s clear there’s has been lot of brilliantly funny content being made over lockdown.

‘But what’s even more obvious is the unique connection comedians have been forging with their audiences. So many of the responses have mentioned how they look forward to regular content as bright moments in what has sometimes been a grim year. Genuine communities have sprung up around virtual comedy gigs, providing some vital human contact and the chance to share a laugh - a simple interaction that we’d come to take for granted.

‘Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a LOT of links to check out!’

The 2021 Chortle Awards are supported by Audible, the leading provider of spoken-word entertainment, including exclusive comedy podcasts from the likes of Alan Partridge, Kurupt FM and French & Saunders.

Sam Bryant, Audible’s head of comedy, said: ‘It’s been such an incredibly tough time for comedians and the wider industry, so we are delighted  to sponsor this year’s Chortle Awards.

‘Defying all the problems of lockdown, creative people have been doing brilliant work to keep the country entertained at a time when it’s most needed, and they deserve recognition and support.’

The winners of the 2021 Chortle Awards in association with Audible will be announced in early March.

Published: 11 Feb 2021