Winners announced...

Rhod Gilbert and Tim Minchin were the big winners at the Chortle Awards, sponsored by FremantleMedia Enterprises, on Tuesday night, scooping two prizes each.

Gilbert was named best headliner and comics’ comic; while musical Australian Minchin won best sketch, variety, and character act, while his show Ready For This? won best show.

Other winners included Rufus Hound for best compere, Sarah Millican for breakthrough act, Russell Howard for best theatre tour and Dara O Briain for best DVD.

John Hegley was honoured for his artistic integrity, while Robin Ince won the innovation award for his Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People shows in December.

And in the venue awards, Soho Theatre was named the best large venue in London – breaking the Comedy Store’s seven-year domination of the category by just one vote.

This year's event has been sponsored by FremantleMedia Enterprises. Click here to find out what they do...

The full list of winners is:

PIAS Comedy Award for best newcomer (sponsored by leading independent comedy label PIAS Comedy)
Seann Walsh

Breakthrough act
Sarah Millican

Award for innovation
Robin Ince for Nine Lessons And Carols For Godless People

Venue awards
Scotland: Stand, Edinburgh
The North: XS Malarkey, Manchester
Midlands and The East: Glee, Birmingham
Wales and The West: Glee, Cardiff
The South: Komedia, Brighton
London large venue: Soho Theatre
London small venue: Porthole Comedy Club, Kilburn

Sketch, variety or character act
Tim Minchin

Award for artistic integrity
John Hegley

Best off-stage contribution
Michael Legge for his blog

FremantleMedia Enterprises award for best headliner
Rhod Gilbert

Best compere
Rufus Hound

Comics’ comic
Rhod Gilbert

Best full show
Tim Minchin: Ready For This

Best theatre show
Russell Howard: Dingledodies

Best use of stand-up on TV or radio
Live At The Apollo

Best DVD
Dara O Briain

Outstanding contribution to comedy
The Just A Minute team

Here is the footage from the night:

Published: 24 Feb 2009