The Gongs All Here
The votes are in, the embossed envelope is in our sweaty clutches, the drum-roll has begun. Yes, it could only be the Hot Press Golden Giggle Awards. But who will walk away with the coveted gongs?
Paul Nolan, 16 Dec 2011
SITCOM OF THE YEAR
Rev.
In 2010, the Beeb – in one of those strange scheduling quirks it’s occasionally prone to – broadcast the first series of Rev. at approximately 2.30am on Tuesdays, thus ensuring that the vast majority of the viewing public never got to appreciate the brilliance of Tom Hollander’s sitcom. Thankfully, in 2011 the schedulers saw sense and gave Rev. its rightful prime-time slot, enabling comedy fans to fully enjoy the adventures of the titular clergyman, Adam Smallbone, who attempts to lead the spiritual life whilst contending with the sturm und drang of everyday existence in his inner-city parish.
Our favourite episode from the second series found Smallbone caught up in a summer heatwave – for which he sported fetching black shorts to go with his shirt and collar – and having to contend with, variously, his badly behaved niece, deciding whether or not to have a child of his own, nightmares, and an old folks’ home blessing mistaken for an exorcism. And if you had any doubts about Rev.’s authenticity, Church of England head Rowan Williams even declared himself a fan.
COMEDY PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Tim and Eric
Irish comedy fans were lucky enough to witness the European live debut of US surrealists Tim and Eric back in July, when the duo made their way to Dublin for the Vodafone Comedy Festival. The pair commenced as they meant to go on, making their entrance wearing nude body costumes – complete with pubic hair and oversized testicles – and singing a tune comprised entirely of the word, “Diarrhoea!” This was promptly interrupted by an announcement declaring that Tim and Eric had won the ‘2011 Vodafone Comedy Festival Best Sketch’ award. Other highlights included a spoof of waffly new-age movements, and a suitably off-the-wall trailer for a Tim and Eric road movie.
STAND-UP OF THE YEAR
Demetri Martin
An occasional Daily Show contributor and former writer for Conan O’Brien, Martin arrived in Dublin for a packed Vicar St. show that showcased his observational style to perfection. With an approach reminiscent of Jerry Seinfeld, and a fondness for sharp one-liners with echoes of Steve Wright, Martin took us on an hysterical trip through the oddities of modern life. One of the best gags concerned how people introduce friends by saying, for example, “This is John... This is John. Pretty insulting, when you think about it.” Indeed, sir.
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