After 4 weeks of long queues, late nights and laughs, it was finally time
for the Barry awards. First off at the Hi-Fi, it was a short stand-up set
hosted by Lehmo, which included a pole-dancing competition between Adam
Hills and Hannah Gadsby. Since night one there has been a series of comics
stripping off and flashing their flesh, affecting everyone from Phil Nichol,
to Fiona O'Loughlin, to Mickey D, and last night it was Hills who ended up
bare-chested and straddling a lighting rig, showing that if he ever hangs up
the microphone there's a career waiting for him at Goldfingers.

Then it was onto the awards. The Piece of Wood went to Andy Zaltzman for
being the comic's choice, The Gibbo went to The Glass Boat, Best Newcomer
went to Josh Thomas (who is possibly the youngest comic to ever win it),
while The Age Critics went to Lawrence Leung who accepted the giant
oversized novelty cheque.

Finally it was the Barry itself, with a wide open field including theatre,
sketch and stand-up. After years of being so close but yet so far, Daniel
Kitson was announced as the winner for his extraordinary show which filled
the terraces of the Athenaeum every night.

Then the band Pablo Discobar rocked the club while others headed to Trades Hall which was absolutely packed with punters, proving it has become a second hub for the festival.