First Victoria Wood comedy award given to comedian posthumously
A
comic who died in a automotive crash months earlier than he was as a result of carry out on the Fringe has been honoured with the primary ever Victoria Wood award on the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Gareth Richards had been a fixture of the Fringe since 2010 and was as a result of carry out one other present on the competition this yr.
But he tragically died in a automotive crash on his manner house from a gig earlier this yr.
Instead, mates Dan Ward and Mark Simmons put A Show For Gareth Richards on in his honour, with a number of the greatest names in comedy volunteering to carry out, together with Frank Skinner, Stewart Lee and Dara O’Briain.
Audiences raised nearly £20,000 for Richards’ household.
Ward mentioned: “It feels really sensational to have won this award for Gareth.
“Victoria Wood was the queen of musical comedy, and Gareth was our legend.
“Gareth’s name will be forever associated with this award, and that just means everything.”
Meanwhile, Mumbai-born Urooj Ashfaq was named winner of the coveted Best Newcomer award.
She advised the PA news company it was essentially the most “wonderful experience”.
“It feels great, I’m really excited,” she mentioned.
“I’m also a little stressed because I’m like: ‘Why have they given it to me?’
“I hope people come out and see people that maybe don’t look like them.
“I hope it has a positive impact in whatever way it can.”
Comedian Ahir Shah has been topped because the winner of the Sky Best Comedy Show at this yr’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Shah has been nominated for the accolade on two earlier events in 2017 and 2018.
He began his comedy profession age 15 doing open mic nights. and is a frequent performer on BBC Two’s The Mash Report in addition to Mock The Week and The News Quiz on Radio 4.
Judges mentioned his act was “funny yet emotional”.
Nicola Burns, director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards mentioned: “Congratulations to Ahir whose blending of his family’s personal story is funny yet emotional, political yet positive, clever and engaging, powerful and tender.
“His craft as a comedian is so extraordinary that he inspires both tears and laughter.”
The Victoria Wood Foundation mentioned: “A Show For Gareth is an extraordinary initiative by his fellow friends and comics Mark Simmons and Danny Ward and embraced by the comedy community and audiences alike.
“Victoria would have been part of it had she been here. We are delighted that this is the first of the Victoria Wood Awards and combines her spirit with that of the Fringe.”
Donations may be made to Gareth Richards household through: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gareth-richards-comedian
The prize cash for the Sky Best Comedy Show is £10,000, with £5,000 every for the DLT Entertainment Best Newcomer and the Victoria Wood Award winner.