If.comedy award nominations announced

Published Wednesday 20 August 2008 at 13:30 by Lalayn Baluch

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Nominees for this year’s if.comedy awards, which recognise outstanding established and new performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, have been announced.

The four shortlisted stand-up acts for the main prize - who are competing for £8,000 and the chance to headline at the Intelligent Finance Comedy Award show in London’s West End - are David O’Doherty, Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler, Rhod Gilbert and Russell Kane.

Finalists for the Best Newcomer category are Mike Wozniak, Pippa Evans, and Sarah Millican.

The winner will be announced on August 23 at midnight, at Edinburgh’s the Jam House.

Society of London Theatre president Nica Burns, who is a veteran producer of the awards, said: “In a year where a number of shows made it to the final, animated discussion, the four nominees presented shows which combined outstanding material and performance, and offer something comedic for everyone.

“The newcomer nomination list reflects the extremely talented crop of new performers. We are delighted to see two highly impressive women amongst the three nominees.”

This year the award judging panel is chaired by Evening Standard comedy critic Bruce Dessau, and includes journalists, radio and television producers, and members of the public who won the chance to take part through competitions in Time Out and The Times.