26 August 2006

Mark Watson wins the first ever if.commedies Panel Prize! Phil Nichol was awarded Best Comedy Show and Josie Long won Best Newcomer.

23 August 2006The Pleasance was delighted to receive news this afternoon that a record-breaking 7 comedy shows appearing at the venue are nominated for the prestigious if.comeddies 2006 (formerly Perrier). Representing over 70% of the total nominations in both the Best Comedy Show and Best Newcomer categories, it marks one of the most successful years for the Pleasance.

Best Comedy Show

Paul Sinha
Russell Howard
We Are Klang

Another nominee, Phil Nichol, from Stand II is performing an extra show at the Pleasance on Sunday 27th August.

Best Newcomer

Andrew Lawrence
God's Pottery
Fat Tongue
Russell Kane

Pleasance comedy programmer, Ryan Taylor said:

"I am over the moon that so many of our acts have been nominated this year. The if.comeddies provides a unique opportunity for all acts to get great exposure and to have 4 out of 5 newcomer nominations from our shows is just overwhelming. All of the acts thoroughly deserve it and I can't wait to see them return next year with even more interest behind them."

The winners of all categories will be announced at midnight on Saturday 26th August.

About The Awards

After a quarter of a century, Britain's biggest comedy awards have entered a new era.

Supported by Perrier for the past 25 years, the unofficial Oscars of Comedy will now by sponsored by young Edinburgh based company intelligent Finance.

The partner with Intelligent Finance will enable the awards to grow with a substantially increased prize fund, support for nominees, regional touring, a Grassroots programme and the addition of a brand new award.

The new award, The Panel Prize, celebrates the show or act who has most captured the comedy spirit of the 2006 Fringe.

The total prize fund has been more than doubled from £7,500 to £16,000, with £8,000 for Best Comedy Show, £4,000 for Best Newcomer and £4,000 for the Panel Prize.