As the 30th Melbourne International Comedy Festival drew to a close, thoughts turned to the annual awards ceremony and the announcement of the recipient of the prestigious Barry. Named for festival patron and Aussie icon Barry Humphries, the award recognises the Most Outstanding Comedy Festival Show.
The 2016 award went to Australian Zoe Coombs Marr, for her show Trigger Warning, making her the latest in a long line of winners that include Sammy J and Randy, Rich Hall, Kristen Schaal, and The Mighty Boosh.
Coombs Marr also took home the Golden Gibbo, awarded to independent shows that stay true to the artist’s unique vision, making her only the second person in the festival’s history to win both awards.
Other winners include Tom Walker (Best Newcomer), Chris Wainhouse (The Piece of Wood comics’ choice award), Carl Barron (The People’s Choice Award) and Tom Ballard, who took home the inaugural Pinder Prize, named for festival co-founder John Pinder.
Though the festival itself is over, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow kicks off on April 20th with events in Bundoora (VIC) and Innisfail (QLD), bringing a rotating cast of comedians to over 80 towns and cities across Australia. Further information can be found at the MICF website.
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