Sam Campbell has edged out seven other contenders to take out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s most prestigious gong, the Barry Award, for his critically acclaimed show The Trough.
Launched in 1998 as the ‘Stella Award’ before being renamed in 2000 to honour the Festival’s founding patron Barry Humphries, The Barry recognises the Most Outstanding Comedy Festival show, and is considered one of the world’s most highly regarded comedy awards.
The young Sydney comic previously won the Director’s Choice Award at the 2016 festival, and was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the 2015 festival. Campbell was announced the recipient of this year’s Award by last year’s winner, Hannah Gadsby (by Skype from New York – where she is performing her award winning show, Nanette) amongst a selection of Awards (listed below) presented at Belleville Melbourne on Saturday night.
Campbell now joins a long list of illustrious comedians including: Hannah Gadsby (2017), Zoe Coombs Marr (2016), Sam Simmons (2015), Denise Scott (2014), Rich Hall (2013), Dr Brown (2012), Russell Kane (2011), Sammy J and Randy (2010), The Pajama Men (2009), Nina Conti and Kristen Shaal (2008 joint winners), Daniel Kitson (2007), Mike Wilmot (2003), Ross Noble (2002) and The Mighty Boosh (2000) to have been honoured with the Award.
2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award Winners:
Golden Gibbo: Cam Venn (Charles Horse Lays an Egg)
Best Newcomer: Danielle Walker (Bush Rat)
Pinder Prize: Demi Lardner (I Love Skeleton)
Piece of Wood: Heath Franklin (Chopper Bogan Jesus)
Directors’ Choice: Michelle Brasier & Laura Frew (Double Denim Adventure Show)
People’s Choice: Lano & Woodley (Fly)
Funny Tonne: Alasdair Bryant
Previously announced Awards:
Class Clowns: Liam Adam, Carlin Carruth & Kyle Bennett – Awkward (QLD)
Deadly Funny: Leon Filewood (QLD)
Raw Comedy: Bec Melrose (NSW)
While the 2018 Festival may have come to an end, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow kicks off this week, and continues through to July, visiting nearly 90 towns and cities across Australia and Asia. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details. The 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run: 27 March – 21 April.
Image: Sam Campbell – photo by Jim Lee