Victoria Wood was named a Legend of Comedy at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2017 Awards, hosted by Janice Connelly as Mrs Barbara Nice, having been nominated by Ade Edmondson, Billy Connolly, Dawn French and Jack Dee – with the final decision being put to the public vote.
Victoria’s sister Rosalind Watson accepted the award, saying: “I am over the moon and honoured to be able to accept this award on behalf of my sister Victoria Wood. It would have meant a lot to her to have been voted a ‘legend’ especially by a people’s vote. It’s great that this ceremony is taking place here in Leicester, because we are just around the corner from the old Phoenix Theatre which is where Vic performed very early in her career. It’s now called the Sue Townsend Theatre, but it’s where Vic got a lucky break in 1976 as a relief pianist in Gunslinger, a musical set in the Wild West, starring her husband-to-be Geoffrey Durham and Alan Rickman.
“She was a legend and we’re so fortunate to have her fantastic body of work. And so much of it is available on the internet. It’s as if her work has had a new lease of life on Twitter and YouTube. We can see Victoria’s sketches and songs just by clicking in a screen. As we know she went way too soon but she has left a legacy that should make the world continue laughing for years to come.”
Festival director Geoff Rowe said: “I am thrilled that Victoria Wood, one of the most significant British comedians of the past half century, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to comedy tonight. She is a true legend of comedy, whose work will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come. Our annual awards also acknowledge the acts, venues, promoters and other organisations whose hard work has helped make this year the most successful of the festival’s 24 year history.”
