Hall toasts Perrier prize

Rich Hall saw off competition from 140 other acts

American comedian Rich Hall has scooped the coveted Perrier Comedy award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The result was announced on Saturday by last year's winner Al Murray.

Hall beat four other finalists to win the £5,000 first prize, a trophy and the lead spot in the Perrier Pick of the Fringe Season show at Her Majesty's Theatre in London.

A panel of 10 judges have scrutinised more than 140 comedy acts in the festival over the past few weeks to decide the winner.

Al Murrray: Presented award

The prize is awarded to the most original and funny cabaret, revue or comedy act at the fringe.

The Perrier Best Newcomer Award went to Noble and Silver, who pride themselves on bizarre situation comedy.

Hall's win, for his show Rich Hall is Otis Lee Crenshaw, is set to bring him fame and fortune.

Other Perrier winners, including Steve Coogan, Frank Skinner, Lee Evans, Sean Hughes, and The League of Gentlemen, have gone on to win recognition.

The awards have been running since 1981 when the Cambridge Footlights, which included Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson, won the inaugural contest.

To be eligible for the awards, acts must be original and fall into the cabaret, comedy, review or stand-up category.