Edinburgh Comedy Awards shortlist announced
The comics in the shortlist for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award, previously known as the If.Comedy Award and the Perrier Award, for 2009 are:
Idiots of Ants: This Is War
John Bishop: Elvis Has Left the Building
Jon Richardson: This Guy at Night
Russell Kane: Human Dressage
Tim Key: The Slutcracker
Tom Wrigglesworth: Open Return Letter to Richard Branson
The shortlist for the newcomer award is:
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
Awards organiser Nica Burns said the shortlist was "very strong" but it was "disappointing" that there were no female performers named. She said: "It is disappointing but I am hoping senior female performers will keep encouraging women and they will come through and reach the top."
The winner will be announced at 2pm on Saturday 29th August 2009.