2005 was the year that…

Tim Minchin took the Festival by storm! And then some. Australian singer/ songwriter/ comic all-round-talented-genius was, by far, the sensation of this year’s Festival. The buzz and hype surrounding him culminated in Tim claiming the coveted Perrier Best Newcomer Award.

Meanwhile, festival favourite Bill Bailey brought his original line up of Beergut 100 back for two nights only, exuding the excellence and comical prowess like only he and his Beergut buddies can deliver.

It was also the year five and Paramount Comedy sponsored ‘So You Think You’re Funny? to produce another great talent to be added to the Gilded Balloon SYTYF Hall of Fame – Tom Allen. Scotland on Sunday became Gilded Balloon’s Media Partner and Universal stepped up to support the infamous, wild and outrageous ‘Late ‘n’ Live. Gilded Balloon handed over the caves to Underbelly and focused their programming of fantastic shows into Teviot.

Stephen K Amos returned, as did David O’Doherty, Mickey D, Phil Kay, Charlie Pickering and last year’s So You Think You’re Funny? winner, Nick Sun, among many other great performers.

Cabaret Decadense were a hit with their extraordinary puppets in sensual, surprising and hilarious short musical numbers, while Puppetry of the Penis did just that, Puppetry of the Penis.

This years So You Think You’re Funny? Winner was the wonderful Tom Allen, who charmed the judges with his dry wit and laconic anecdotal style.

Awards
Perrier Newcomer Award – Tim Minchin
Scotsman Fringe First – Breakfast at Audrey’s
Scotsman Fringe First – Basic Training

Nominations
Perrier Newcomer Award – Tim Minchin
Perrier Newcomer Award – Charlie Pickering
Stage Award For Acting Excellence – Phil Nichol