At this morning’s Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Pleasance acts won two out of the three awards. Catherine Cohen received the Best Newcomer Award with The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous as Jordan Brookes took home Best Comedy Show for I’ve Got Nothing.
This year the Pleasance received thirteen of the seventeen nominations which went to Pleasance returners, new talent and five previous members of Pleasance’s Comedy Reserve. Nominees included Janine Harouni, Nigel Ng, Michael Odewale, Sophie Duker, Catherine Cohen, Helen Bauer and Huge Davies for Best Newcomer and, for Best Comedy Show, Darren Harriott, Goodbear, Ivo Graham, Jordan Brookes, London Hughes and Spencer Jones.
Last year, history was made at the Comedy Awards when Pleasance’s Rose Matafeo took one home, the first person of colour in the 38-year history of the award to do so. This year’s shortlist featured the first Black British women to be nominated in the history of the Awards, London Hughes and Sophie Duker, both of whom Pleasance also host. They are also proud to be one of the seven venues supporting Fringe of Colour which won this year’s Panel Prize for Jessica Brough.
Director of Pleasance, Anthony Alderson commented, With 757 eligible comedy shows this year I am flattered that Pleasance once again houses both Comedy Award winners. Both Catherine and Jordan are such talented comedians touching on contemporary issues and modern life in a way that has audiences desperate for more. This week we’ve also seen Pleasance shows win a Fringe First award and a Total Theatre award. I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing talents that join the Pleasance family each summer. Congratulations to all the winners!”
The Best Newcomer went to American sensation Catherine Cohen with her uniquely modern cabaret The Twist..? She’s Gorgeous. Cohen’s show is about life, love and loving yourself. With original songs, accompanied by Henry Koperski on keys, and hyper-self-aware stand-up, she presents a lacerating take on modern culture as a millennial bravely addicted to attention.
Jessica Cohen and Jprdan Brookes. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com Jessica Brough. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com Stephen Fry. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com Dominic Maxwell, Chair of the Panel. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Jordan Brookes was awarded Best Comedy Show for I’ve Got Nothing in which the inimitable comic step away from high concept and bring it right back to basics. Brookes is a man scrabbling to create a connection with those around him; his hour plucks and pulls at stand-up tropes and the relationship between audience and performer. With whip-smart improv, he dances along the line between carefree silliness and bleak hopelessness as he explores the human condition in a world that feels like it’s ending.
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