Edinburgh Fringe
Dr Dolittle Kills a Man wins in The Laura Awards 2024
Following their launch last year, the somewhat dubious Laura Awards returned to the 2024 Edinburgh Festival.
The awards are based on whatever Laura, the housemate of comedian Alex Franklin, feels like giving awards to when she visits the festival on holiday. As has been previously explained: "Laura is incredibly irrational and the judging metrics change from day to day. To give you an idea of what Laura may like, here are some things she has enjoyed in the past year: Confidence Man at Glastonbury; the RSPB TikTok account ; André 3000's flute album; Chappell Roan; Only Connect."
This year's winner has been determined as Dr Dolittle Kills a Man (and Reads Extracts From His New Book). The show, starring Aidan Pittman, was performed at Underbelly, Cowgate at 5:25pm on each day of the festival. The prize package, which was presented to Pittman and his director Hudson Hughes, includes a melon and a rubber duck.
H'allo by Cerys O'Connell was named as a runner-up.
Paulina Lenoir: Puella Eterna was the other runner-up.
Mel McGlensey is Motorboat and The Sisters Fig were also nominated. Meanwhile the following shows received honourable mentions, for specific reasons:
Ted Hill: 110 Percent Normal: "Had lots of facts about birds, like the RSPB TikTok account".
Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain: "They spend a lot of time in church, much like Chappell Roan".
Bangtail: "The flute was played, like in Andre 3000's flute album".
Andrew Doherty: Gay Witch Sex Cult: "Was actually quite scary, like Only Connect".
Lou Wall: The Bisexual's Lament: "Aussie, camp and full of songs, like Confidence Man".
Upon being asked how prestigious The Laura Awards are, the organisers explain: "They are the only awards that matter at the Edinburgh Fringe. Laura also believes that these are the only awards that take place at the Edinburgh Fringe so please don't tell her about any of the others."
When asked 'Is Laura having a brat summer?', the response was: "Laura does not experience the seasons like most people. She lives in a permanent state of summer, and also just is a 'brat'."
Laura's journey around the festival can be seen via @TheLauraAwards on X.