Other awards for Barry Dodds, Tony Allen, Andy Smart and Gareth Richards

Andrew Bird has been named the comics’ comic of 2023.

The stand-up – a long-time tour support for Russell Howard as was touring under his own name –  won the annual accolade, also known as the UK Comedy Award, following a vote from his peers.

He said: ‘I can't even pretend to act casual about this. I am so chuffed. Thank you for voting for me.

‘Usually, I'm worried that other comedians are slagging me off. So, for a good few to say, they think I'm good. That's going to get me through at least the next six to eight rough gigs.

‘I don't think actually telling the audience about the award will help. We'll see

Barry Dodds was named best MC.

He said: 'I am completely blown away and beyond surprised. I’ve never once even considered myself to be someone who would even get nominated for something like this, never mind win.

‘I’m utterly humbled, thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who voted and to all the amazing comics, decent clubs and good promoters who make this the best job in the world." 

James Alderson, a stand-up who runs the Stitches comedy nights in Hampshire and West Sussex was named best independent promoter.

He said: 'It’s lovely that some folks voted for me. I guess something good has come out of Covid, as that’s what inspired me to start the Stitches Comedy Club chain back early in 2022: to just knuckle down and create something rather than wait for it to happen for me.

‘It’s really nice to have the grafting recognised - thanks to all that thought of me when voting! I’ve got a cracking team working with me at the shows and 2024 will hopefully produce even more exciting times!"

The prize for outstanding contribution to UK comedy was shared posthumously between Tony Allen, Andy Smart and Gareth Richards.

The awards were started in 2013 by John Moloney as an alternative to various other prizes that he felt did not recognise professional comedians who work the circuit year in, year out. Anyone who makes their living, or most of it, from comedy is allowed to vote.

Winners will be presented with their awards by Arthur Smith at the comedians’ Christmas party. Awards organiser  – and 2022 winner – Mark Simmons interviews the winners on his Jokes with Mark Simmon podcast here

Here’s the list of previous winners: 

Best Act

2013 Mick Ferry
2014 Gavin Webster
2015 Zoe Lyons
2016 Jeff Innocent
2017 Ian Stone
2018 Andy Askins
2019 The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue
2020 Scott Bennett
2021 (3 way tie) Jo Caulfield, Ninia Benjamin, Mark Nelson
2022 Mark Simmons

Best MC

2014 Roger Monkhouse
2015 Dan Nightingale
2016 Danny McLoughlin
2017 Laura Lexx
2018 Mandy Knight
2019 Sally-Anne Hayward
2020 Lou Conran
2021 Paul Smith
2022 Cerys Nelmes 

Independent Promoter

2016 Rob Riley for Comedy In A Van
2017 Blair Brothers for Hot Water Comedy Club
2018 Rob Riley for Comedy In A Van
2019 Jim Howarth for Comedy Hotspot
2020 Brett Vincent of Get Comedy
2021 (2 way tie) Andy White for Jesterlarf Comedy and independent booker Peter Vincent
2022 Stephen Grant for The Forge. 

Outstanding Contribution To UK Comedy

2015 John Moloney
2016 Noel Faulkner of the Comedy Cafe
2017 Steve Gribbin
2018 Otiz Cannelloni
2019 Jeremy Hardy & Ian Cognito (posthumous)
2020 Comedy Support Act Benevolent Fund
2021 Sean Lock (posthumous)
2022 Peter Grahame of Downstairs At The King's head

Published: 8 Jan 2024