We were at the 2017 Chortle Awards last night with some of our favourite funny people at Up The Creek comedy club in Greenwich. Host Clive Anderson had his work cut out for him keeping the comedy rabble in check, at one point he “made a spectacle of himself” (badum tish!) accidentally breaking his glasses as Vic Reeves presented a the variety and character award, asking “what is variety and character?”
Lolly Adefope won the variety and character award, however in her absence fellow nominee Emma Sidi volunteered to pick up the award on her behalf.
Fleabag continued its winning streak, with best TV comedy and Olivia Colman beating some very talented women for best TV actor.
Bridget Christie won best live show for Because You Demanded It, her stand up show inspired by Brexit and Sara Pascoe’s debut, Animal won the book award, presented by Jack Monroe, who said they had been drunk since Friday, celebrating no doubt!
Winners were picked via an online poll of 6,000 comedy fans, after shortlists were drawn up by a panel of critics and independent comedy industry experts.
The full list of winners is:
Best newcomer
Tom Ward
Best compere
Justin Moorhouse
Breakthrough act
Joel Dommett
Club comedian
Carl Donnelly
Variety and character award
Lolly Adefope
Best show
Bridget Christie: Because You Demanded It
Best tour
Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational
Best TV comedy
Fleabag
Best TV comedy entertainment
Taskmaster
Best TV actor
Olivia Colman
Best TV comedian
Richard Ayoade
Radio award
Elis James and John Robins
Book award
Animal by Sara Pascoe
Internet award
Adam Buxton podcast
Comedians’ comedian
Richard Gadd
Offstage contribution
Noel Faulkner
Event Of The Year
Comedians’ Boxing
