The shortlist has been announced for the 2011 Malcolm Hardee Comedy Awards, the awards setup to recognise comic originality in memory of "one of the most anarchic figures of his era."

Here are the nominees. Click on an act's name for their show listings...

Malcolm Hardee Award For Comic Originality

Doctor Brown: "For oddness beyond necessity and comedy beyond reason."

James Hamilton: "The odd writer, producer, director, actor and creator of Casual Violence."

Bob Slayer: "For going beyond OTT into uncharted areas of comedy excess."

Johnny Sorrow: "For simply being a bizarre act Malcolm Hardee would have loved."

Cunning Stunt Award (best publicity stunt)

Tim FitzHigham: "For breaking multiple bones and damaging bone marrow in pursuit of comedy."

Sanderson Jones: "For selling all his show tickets only to people he himself has met."

Kunt and the Gang: "For pushing his sticky penis stunt way beyond what seemed possible."

Act Most Likely To Make A Million Quid

Benet Brandreth: "If he doesn't make a million quid as a performer, he'll make it as a lawyer."

Josh Widdicombe: "Possibly the new Michael McIntyre."

The winners of the awards will be announced during the two-hour Malcolm Hardee Awards Show in the ballroom of The Counting House on Friday evening (26th August). The show will be presented by comedy critic and Show Me The Funny judge Kate Copstick.

The awards form part of 'Malcolm Hardee Week', which also includes a debate about offensive comedy and a spaghetti-juggling contest. To find out more about the awards and the events visit the official website:www.malcolmhardee.co.uk