Review: the Black Tie Comedy Awards

We knew the organisers of the Black Tie Comedy Awards were in for a difficult night after a fire in the black wall tunnel caused all sorts of transport problems for nominees and the audience. After having to cancel the Award show earlier in the year this was another unneeded setback. The Show did eventually kick off an hour late with a lot of empty seats still unfilled and number of special guests still to arrive. The Awards host Kojo the comedian did his best to paper over the cracks and charmed the crowd when he pointed out that there ‘had to be a problem with the Blackwall tunnel on a black event!’ His co-host was model Rachel Ritfield.

Chris Rock was awarded the Best International Comedian gong but unsurprisingly was not in attendance. Young white comic Kevin J was recognised as Best Newcomer and also performed. He killed the audience with laughter about his tales of being a white boy growing up with Nigerians.

But the night belonged to double award winner Slim (Best Male Comedian and Best T.V Performance), he let us know on a serious note that he had been through some personal problems in the past year, so congratulations to him on coming out on top on the night.  Unfortunately the winner of Best Female Comedian, Glenda Jaxson, was announced when she was not even in the building. However, not one to be denied the spotlight she took to the stage later in the evening and had her moment. The award for Outstanding Contribution was given to pioneering black comedy show the Real McCoy; the organisers have to be praised for acknowledging the work of such an important programme in Black British television history.

Whilst a number of well known faces such as Richard Blackwood, Rudolph Walker, Yolanda Brown and MTV base producer Jasmine Dotiwala were in attendance, there was a notable absentee. Bill Bellamy was the face of the awards so it must have been a disappointment for those expecting his presence to not to see him show up. The promoters Harmony Productions were fair and honest stating they were ‘doing their best’, which with all the bad luck they had was all they could do on the night. Although it may not have been the fault of the promoters the audience may have left feeling a little short changed.