Andrew Bird named Comics' Comic 2023
- Best Comic: Andrew Bird
- Best MC: Barry Dodds; Best Independent Promoter: James Alderson
- Outstanding Achievement to UK Comedy: Tony Allen, Andy Smart and Gareth Richards
Stand-up Andrew Bird has been awarded the Best Comic title in the Comics' Comic awards.
The results were determined exclusively via poll of comedians working on the UK comedy circuit. The trophies will be handed out tonight by Arthur Smith at the comedians' Christmas party, which is due to take place in London.
Bird says: "I can't even pretend to act casual about this. I am so chuffed. Thank you for voting for me. Usually, I'm worried that other comedians are slagging me off. So, for a good few to say, they think I'm good. That's going to get me through at least the next 6-8 rough gigs. I don't think actually telling the audience about the award will help. We'll see."
Best MC
He says: "I am completely blown away and beyond surprised. I've never once even considered myself to be someone who would even get nominated for something like this, never mind win. I'm utterly humbled, thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who voted and to all the amazing comics, decent clubs and good promoters who make this the best job in the world."
Best Independent Promoter
Alderson, who set up the South Coast Comedian of the Year competition in 2014 and acts as a promoter in Hampshire, comments: "It's lovely that some folks voted for me. I guess something good has come out of Covid, as that's what inspired me to start the Stitches Comedy Club chain back early in 2022: to just knuckle down and create something rather than wait for it to happen for me. It's really nice to have the grafting recognised - thanks to all that thought of me when voting! I've got a cracking team working with me at the shows and 2024 will hopefully produce even more exciting times!"
Outstanding Contribution To UK Comedy
This year the title goes posthumous to three comedians...
The Comics' Comic awards - also known as the UK Comedy Awards - have been running since 2013. It is the job of whoever wins Best Comic to organise the voting next time. Last year's winner, Mark Simmons, oversaw this year's poll. He has interviewed Bird, Dodds and Alderson as part of a special episode of his Jokes with Mark Simmons podcast (Listen: Spotify, Apple).