Katie Norris wins Musical Comedy Awards 2023
- 1st: Katie Norris. 2nd: Christian Jegard. 3rd: Annabel Marlow
- Audience Award: Christian Jegard
- Best Newcomer: JoJo Maberly
Katie Norris has won the Musical Comedy Awards 2023.
Her set was picked out by industry judges at the live final, which took place tonight (Friday 31st March) at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London.
Norris is a stand-up comedian, singer and actress, best known for her work as one-half of double act Norris & Parker. Her set included a song about an ill-advised relationship she entered into.
Christian Jegard was named as the runner-up, and also took home the Audience Award, which is based on a vote from those watching the NextUp stream combined with a measure of audience laughter in the room.
Annabel Marlow was awarded the third place trophy.
The final also saw Best Newcomer JoJo Maberly awarded her trophy.
The live show, which featured a headline set from former competitor Rachel Parris, also featured Peter Bazely, Will BF, The Gorgeous Diva (Jay Bennett), Amelia Hamilton, Eddy MacKenzie, Nikola McMurtrie, Selena Mersey, Su Mi and Tasmin Sarkany.
The Musical Comedy Awards, which are sponsored by WeGotTickets, have been running since 2009. The shortlisted acts are selected for the final by taking part in a series of live heats, with each then having 7 minutes to impress the audience and judges in sold-out theatre at the grand final. Host Nick Horseman opened proceedings this year by noting that, for the first time in the show's 15 year history, there were more female finalists than male competing; 8 of the 12 acts.
The judges remarked that it was a particularly high standard this time, and the awards' Twitter feed posted: "Thank you to all of our amazing finalists, we are so so proud of the standard tonight. Incredible!!!!"