The organiser of the biggest comedy awards in Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2009 has said she is ‘disappointed’ no women have made the shortlist.
Nica Burns – who is funding this year’s awards, formerly the Perriers – said there were many great female comedians on the Fringe, but none made the grade.
The nominations for the best comedy show are:
Idiots of Ants: This Is War
John Bishop: Elvis Has Left The Building
Jon Richardson: This Guy At Night
Russell Kane (pictured): Human Dressage
Tim Key: The Slutcracker
Tom Wrigglesworth’s Open Return Letter to Richard Branson
So what does Comedy Central think? Well we've been up there and they're all solid shows, especially Tim Key's unique blend of poetry and gymnastics (go see it to get what we mean).
We'd like to have seen the awesome Ed Aczel nominated for his brilliantly unique 'anticomedy' show Edward Aczel - Explains All The World's Problems...And Then Solves Them. but you can't have everything; We do encourage you to check out Aczel if he plays near you in the future...
Anyway, the nominations for best newcomer are:
Carl Donnelly – Relax Everyone, it’s Carl Donnelly
Jack Whitehall – Nearly Rebellious
Jonny Sweet: Mostly About Arthur
Kevin Bridges: An Hour To Sing For Your Soul
Pete Johansson: Naked Pictures of My Life
Again, another strong list. Whitehall performed on our very own Edinburgh & Beyond (click here to see a video of him) so we're fans. It's also great to see the monstrously young Glaswegian Kevin Bridges nominated, who's on a roll right now.
Burns said: "The shortlist of six shows reflects an outstanding year of highly creative, original comedy performance dominated by stand- up.
Idiots of Ants top the sketch shows, Tim Key character comedy and John Bishop, Jon Richardson, Russell Kane and Tom Wrigglesworth won the panel vote for stand-up."
"On a personal basis I can’t help but be disappointed that no women made the list this year despite them representing 15% of all comedy shows.
Whilst there was much to be liked at the end of the day it was felt that 2010 would be their year. I would urge them all to return and beat the men at their game."
The winners will be announced at a lunchtime ceremony on Saturday, but what do you think? Is comedy still a man's game? Whay are there so few women comedians compared to blokes?
Let us know your thoughts below...
Copyright : Comedy Central UK