Manchester Comedy Guide Award for Best Comedy Show in 2008
2008 was an amazing year for comedy in Manchester with some huge names selling out the city's largest venues. Lee Evans performed 4 nights at the MEN Arena, with The Mighty Boosh adding a further 2 nights at the venue on top of their 4 nights at the Apollo. Steve Coogan also returned with 5 hometown gigs at the MEN Arena and Apollo. Jimmy Carr played 3 nights at the Apollo whilst For The Love of Mrs Brown, 'Allo 'Allo, Dad's Army and Eurobeat were the highlights of the big name comedy plays.
1591 members of Pride Of Manchester & UK Theatre Guides voted for 42 different comedy shows. With the 2008-09 final shortlist being:
2007-08 Winner
THE PRODUCERS
Dara O'Briain (The Lowry)
Dara O Briain Talks Funny saw the Irish comedian at his best, mixing top draw material with lightning fast improvisation to give The Lowry audience yet another hilarious night to remember.
Deadpan funnyman Jimmy Carr shared his cynical but always hilarious take on life's little absurdities with the Apollo audience. Unleashing his trademark rapid-fire joke-telling and razor-sharp wit on an audience of appreciative Mancunian fans.
Michael McIntyre's performance at The Lowry was likely to be the last time he graces such an intimate theatre in Manchester. The multi-award winning newcomer has quickly become one of the most popular acts in the UK since with wide appeal.
The Mighty Boosh certainly boast an appeal to many Mancunians, as they're multiple sell out dates in 2008 at the MEN Arena, Manchester Apollo and Manchester Academy proved. Vince, Howard, Naboo and co were also popular amongst our voters.
Steve Coogan returned with Alan Partridge, Paul and Pauline Calf, Saxondale and other 'less successful' characters with sell out Manchester gigs at the MEN Arena and the Apollo. It was great to see the Mancunian comic back on stage in his hometown.
