Edinburgh Comedy Award: Here are 11 famous acts who failed to win the former Perrier Comedy Award despite being shortlisted
Known previously as the Perrier Comedy Awards, the if.comedy awards and the if.comeddies, Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award has long been an indicator of who will go on to find showbiz fame and fortune.
Launched in 1981, the award is presented to the comedy show judged to have been the best at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is recognised as the most prestigious comedy prize in the UK.
The award is designed to promote acts that have yet to become household names, so comedians judged to have ‘star status’ are not eligible - for instance if they have a show on a major television channel or can regularly fill a 500-set venue.
A Best Newcomer Award was added in 1992, followerd by a Panel Prize in 2006 for those who have made a particularly special contribution to the Fringe Festival.
But sometimes the losing nominees go on to be more successful than many of the winners, with a place on the shortlist enough to catch the attention of influential agents and producers.
Here are 11 acts who went on to enjoy massive success after missing out on the award.
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A Best Newcomer Award was added in 1992, followerd by a Panel Prize in 2006 for those who have made a particularly special contribution to the Fringe Festival.
9. Sean Lock
Much-missed comedy genius Sean Lock, who tragically died last year, was a real Fringe favourite, but missed out to American musical comic Rich Hall in 2000. Photo: Jo Hale
10. Sarah Millican
There can't be many people in the UK who don't know who Sarah Millican is today, but in 2010 she was playing a tiny venue in Edinburgh and lost out to Russell Kane. Photo: Tim P. Whitby
11. Flight of the Conchords
Flight of the Conchords failed to turn their shortlisting into a win in 2003, losing to future Daily Show star Demetri Martin. The huge success both Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have enjoyed in television, film and music ever since might be some consolation. Photo: Cameron Spencer