O’Doherty and Millican win if.comedy prizes

Published Wednesday 27 August 2008 at 11:50 by Lalayn Baluch

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Irish comedian David O’Doherty has won the main prize of the if.comedy awards - the most prestigious accolade for the genre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The stand-up beat off competition from Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler, Rhod Gilbert and Russell Kane to win the £8,000 cash prize and the opportunity to headline at the Intelligent Finance Comedy Awards show in October.

O’Doherty was presented his award by writer and broadcaster Clive James and 2007 winner Brendon Burns, alongside recipient of the best newcomer category, Sarah Millican. Both winners are represented by Chambers Management.

Awards producer Nica Burns described O’Doherty as “utterly delightful”. She added: “An hour with David O’Doherty fills the world with laughter and charm and sends you home on a wave of happiness.”

Meanwhile, judges decided to present the Panel Award to all the comedians at this year’s festival, rather than a single performer, venue or production. More than 200 comedians turned up at the Spiegeltent bar to celebrate the last day of the fringe and to enjoy the £4,000 prize money.