Andrew Blackman congratulating Alex, who wins a £200 Gift Voucher from Waterstones.

2nd Prize: "Perspective" by Annabel Banks
3rd Prize: "The Grand Union" by Esther Madden
Commended: "Chasing Dragons Underground" and "To Be Like You".

Thanks to Josie Collins who organised the competition, and to the Old Operating Theatre for the incredible venue, and to the Times Literary Supplement who also supported this award. Shortlisted stories here.

November 2 at 7:00pm - November 25 at 10:00pm. Here's the Theatre in a Car 2009 - this was Press Launch for the London Bridge Festival which grew into the London Festival Fringe 2010.

From 6pm, Friday, September 10

The SoHo Awards For Television Achievements or “The SHAFTAs” was held at the Phoenix Artists Bar on the 18th of August 2010. The name of the event is of little importance as the essence lies in the reverse abbreviation. If the “SHAFTAs” name wasn’t a cool enough pun, the event itself, a series of comedy sketches, far outperformed the name on the hilarious scale.

Our host for the night was Nigel Wogan, a sharply dressed and disillusioned character. He took to the microphone to introduce the award categories for the night, and said he will be reading out the nominees, who would grace the stage with brief performances before announcing the winners.

It was an all bar cast, all dressed in black, with cheap wigs, basic yet over exaggerated accessories and costumes, that it resembled more of a dress up party, a hen night, a stag and a drag party at the same pub, and you knew that you were in for a serious case of sarcasmia.

Our first guest to grace the red carpet was the red carpet itself, as it “walked” us through the hype and build up for the night. “I said interviewed on the red carpet, not THE red carpet” continued Wogan, as Oli Croombs left the stage with his gigantic multi-colored microphone that looked more like an ice cream cone than a mic.

Our first category of the night, was News, presented by Paris Hilton, who graced the stage by introducing our nominees: Toy Shop, Assault, Points of View and Opportunities, with the latter taking home the award, and shuttering Miss Hilton and her fake everything off the stage to accept the award. His royal Highness Prince Charles then graced us with his presence to introduce the nominees for the Documentary category: Justin Lee Collins, Springwatch, Two Weddings , Revolution and the Gagas .We were taken to the BBC studios, with Oli hosting Spring Watch. Hearing the name and before Oli took the stage, my laughter preceded me as I expected a cheesy sketch, and not disappointing, he came on to stage with a huge spring, and watched it, before Wendy came on for her wedding in Two Weddings. It wasn’t long, before we were back with SpringWatch, desperately waiting for something to happen, and be watched, but nothing sprang to mind, except deep laughter, when Oli returned for a third time, with the spring and three smaller springs. The Gagas, Lady, Mother and Grandma Gaga secured the win for this category.

With the first act nearing a close, and a quick run to the bar and the Phoenix facilities imminent, the audience came more alive, clapping more frequently, encouraged by Wendy’s screech “You can clap!” that was quickly brushed off by an in-character Nigel as our calm and composed (sic) host!

Susan Boyle then went on to present the Best Quiz Show award, with Davina comfortably taking it home (no pun intended) over other nominees Deal or no Deal and Who wants to be a Millionaire, who failed to bring home the bacon. Davina almost got out shined by Sarah Palin, regional expert on international affairs, presenting the Drama award to Russell Brand for his banging performance in SingleLadies.

The final category of the night was Entertainment, with the nominees being, Batman, Top Gear,Darren Brown (Hypnotist) and Hollaback Girl. Davina presented the award, and declared her self “eligible” for presenting new shows as big brother has “moved on”. Batman came close to winning the award, but Robin was nowhere to be found, and was confused for Robin Hood and Robbie Williams, thus Hollaback Girl won with relative sleaze.

An anti-climax point of the night was a sketch with Death being one of the nominees for an award, and Louise gracing the stage disguised as the ghost of death, and touching the other nominees that fell to the floor dead. Wogan scarily awarded Death the award, but the silent nature of the sketch got an already shy audience a little too silent. But not for long, with Ian’s series of brilliant one liners sketch brought us back.

The Reading Berks, who entertained us for about two hours definitely deserved more clapping but that did not hinder this comedy enthusiast from whistling and applauding loudly, disregarding the long looks from the good looking audience in the front row. A compelling and rich show, that has substance and is more about content and quality, than it is about costumes and elaborate stage sets, something that is a breath of fresh air and a departure from cheap recycled commercialism. Recommended!!!

The SoHo Awards For Television Achievements or “The SHAFTAs” was held at the Phoenix Artists Bar on the 18th of August 2010. The name of the event is of little importance as the essence lies in the reverse abbreviation. If the “SHAFTAs” name wasn’t a cool enough pun, the event itself, a series of comedy sketches, far outperformed the name on the hilarious scale.

Our host for the night was Nigel Wogan, a sharply dressed and disillusioned character. He took to the microphone to introduce the award categories for the night, and said he will be reading out the nominees, who would grace the stage with brief performances before announcing the winners.

It was an all bar cast, all dressed in black, with cheap wigs, basic yet over exaggerated accessories and costumes, that it resembled more of a dress up party, a hen night, a stag and a drag party at the same pub, and you knew that you were in for a serious case of sarcasmia.

Our first guest to grace the red carpet was the red carpet itself, as it “walked” us through the hype and build up for the night. “I said interviewed on the red carpet, not THE red carpet” continued Wogan, as Oli Croombs left the stage with his gigantic multi-colored microphone that looked more like an ice cream cone than a mic.

Our first category of the night, was News, presented by Paris Hilton, who graced the stage by introducing our nominees: Toy Shop, Assault, Points of View and Opportunities, with the latter taking home the award, and shuttering Miss Hilton and her fake everything off the stage to accept the award. His royal Highness Prince Charles then graced us with his presence to introduce the nominees for the Documentary category: Justin Lee Collins, Springwatch, Two Weddings , Revolution and the Gagas .We were taken to the BBC studios, with Oli hosting Spring Watch. Hearing the name and before Oli took the stage, my laughter preceded me as I expected a cheesy sketch, and not disappointing, he came on to stage with a huge spring, and watched it, before Wendy came on for her wedding in Two Weddings. It wasn’t long, before we were back with SpringWatch, desperately waiting for something to happen, and be watched, but nothing sprang to mind, except deep laughter, when Oli returned for a third time, with the spring and three smaller springs. The Gagas, Lady, Mother and Grandma Gaga secured the win for this category.

With the first act nearing a close, and a quick run to the bar and the Phoenix facilities imminent, the audience came more alive, clapping more frequently, encouraged by Wendy’s screech “You can clap!” that was quickly brushed off by an in-character Nigel as our calm and composed (sic) host!

Susan Boyle then went on to present the Best Quiz Show award, with Davina comfortably taking it home (no pun intended) over other nominees Deal or no Deal and Who wants to be a Millionaire, who failed to bring home the bacon. Davina almost got out shined by Sarah Palin, regional expert on international affairs, presenting the Drama award to Russell Brand for his banging performance in SingleLadies.

The final category of the night was Entertainment, with the nominees being, Batman, Top Gear,Darren Brown (Hypnotist) and Hollaback Girl. Davina presented the award, and declared her self “eligible” for presenting new shows as big brother has “moved on”. Batman came close to winning the award, but Robin was nowhere to be found, and was confused for Robin Hood and Robbie Williams, thus Hollaback Girl won with relative sleaze.

An anti-climax point of the night was a sketch with Death being one of the nominees for an award, and Louise gracing the stage disguised as the ghost of death, and touching the other nominees that fell to the floor dead. Wogan scarily awarded Death the award, but the silent nature of the sketch got an already shy audience a little too silent. But not for long, with Ian’s series of brilliant one liners sketch brought us back.

The Reading Berks, who entertained us for about two hours definitely deserved more clapping but that did not hinder this comedy enthusiast from whistling and applauding loudly, disregarding the long looks from the good looking audience in the front row. A compelling and rich show, that has substance and is more about content and quality, than it is about costumes and elaborate stage sets, something that is a breath of fresh air and a departure from cheap recycled commercialism. Recommended!!!

In keeping with the spirit of the Fringe, which is to include everyone, audiences as much as artists, we're asking you to vote for remarkable plays that you have seen, or exciting musicians/bands that you have heard perform at a gig. Links go to the award pages. There are videos there of this year's winners at the 2010 Award Ceremony.

Given that this was a play reading, it was astonishing how quickly we forgot that the actors were reading* from their scripts; the powerful performances from Stephanie Ellyne and Erin Hunter seemed to make them vanish. This is a story about the developing and edgy relationship between the ex-girlfriend and the widow of a recently-deceased writer, whose dedication in one of his books leads to their meeting.

So, given that it was a reading, should one be picky about the details? Yes and no. If they’d sat on two chairs and simply read from the scripts, then there would be nothing to say about the production. So in that case “no”. But it was much more than this, so a comment or two about the production shouldn’t go amiss. The play opens with a couch centre stage, with two books by the deceased author propped against the back, with the titles clearly evident to the audience. One of them “Short Story Long” is the core – and title - of the play. It seemed so unnatural. I can’t think of any circumstances where books are left around in this fashion, and – as far as the narrative is concerned – unnecessary. That’s the name of the play, and the first few sentences dispel any need to display the books. “Don’t show – tell.”

And when one of the actors desperately needs to “go to the bathroom” (well God bless ‘em they are Canadian; at least she didn’t say “restroom) she takes her coat off the back of her chair and exits. Was it an outside “bathroom”? Down the road a bit?).

But these are minor cavils. I’m conscious of the dictum; “ask a playwright what he thinks of a critic, and he’ll say the same as a lamppost thinks of a dog”). The writing is elegant and sometimes funny, the plot was totally plausible with a stunning twist at the end. And the acting? If that’s how they come across with scripts in their hands, then it will be electrifying without them. – Fabian Acker

*“Short Story Long ” is one of six plays selected from more than 300 by the North American Actors Association to be read at their annual festival. (Their statement says the Association represents North America actors working “legally” in the UK. Who represents the others, I wonder). Play readings continue until Sep 11 at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Swiss Cottage)

Given that this was a play reading, it was astonishing how quickly we forgot that the actors were reading* from their scripts; the powerful performances from Stephanie Ellyne and Erin Hunter seemed to make them vanish. This is a story about the developing and edgy relationship between the ex-girlfriend and the widow of a recently-deceased writer, whose dedication in one of his books leads to their meeting.

So, given that it was a reading, should one be picky about the details? Yes and no. If they’d sat on two chairs and simply read from the scripts, then there would be nothing to say about the production. So in that case “no”. But it was much more than this, so a comment or two about the production shouldn’t go amiss. The play opens with a couch centre stage, with two books by the deceased author propped against the back, with the titles clearly evident to the audience. One of them “Short Story Long” is the core – and title - of the play. It seemed so unnatural. I can’t think of any circumstances where books are left around in this fashion, and – as far as the narrative is concerned – unnecessary. That’s the name of the play, and the first few sentences dispel any need to display the books. “Don’t show – tell.”

And when one of the actors desperately needs to “go to the bathroom” (well God bless ‘em they are Canadian; at least she didn’t say “restroom) she takes her coat off the back of her chair and exits. Was it an outside “bathroom”? Down the road a bit?).

But these are minor cavils. I’m conscious of the dictum; “ask a playwright what he thinks of a critic, and he’ll say the same as a lamppost thinks of a dog”). The writing is elegant and sometimes funny, the plot was totally plausible with a stunning twist at the end. And the acting? If that’s how they come across with scripts in their hands, then it will be electrifying without them. – Fabian Acker

*“Short Story Long ” is one of six plays selected from more than 300 by the North American Actors Association to be read at their annual festival. (Their statement says the Association represents North America actors working “legally” in the UK. Who represents the others, I wonder). Play readings continue until Sep 11 at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Swiss Cottage)

It's for all to use, so if, for example, you are a performer and need a photographer or you are an actor and need a writer for an idea you want to develop, you can use this group to get in touch with them. Or, you might just want to cast for an upcoming play. You will need to be a member before you can e-mail other members. Click to join the group

We're looking for content. If you have something you want mentioned on radio please get in touch

Cast member Lydia Rose Bewley, image by Jim Tanner

"The set and its decoration help establish a feeling of discomfort and unspecified threat which fit very well into the content and drama of the production. " more by FringeReport

"The set and its decoration help establish a feeling of discomfort and unspecified threat which fit very well into the content and drama of the production. " more by FringeReport

The London Fringe site is getting 9,693 'monthly people'.

"Director Nadia Papachronopolou demonstrates skilled staging and a feel for structure as well as passion for the period. High praise is due for achieving consistently strong performances across the cast and, in the devising process, drawing out some truly delightful characterisations." more by Tara Paulsson

"Director Nadia Papachronopolou demonstrates skilled staging and a feel for structure as well as passion for the period. High praise is due for achieving consistently strong performances across the cast and, in the devising process, drawing out some truly delightful characterisations." more by Tara Paulsson

"So, award winners rub shoulders with sponsors, award entrants, shortlisted artists and there are performances too, compered by actor Derval Mellett." more by Brent Crude, includes full list of awards, judges and shortlisted artists.

"So, award winners rub shoulders with sponsors, award entrants, shortlisted artists and there are performances too, compered by actor Derval Mellett." more by Brent Crude, includes full list of awards, judges and shortlisted artists.

Derval interviewed quite a few of the award winners and some really good things are said about the awards. Simon also took photographs which are on site, with a flickr slideshow. Simon's website is here. Click for video

The cast of ‘He’s Not Black’ work well together as a company and are fully committed to their roles. Wayne Joseph, in particular, turns in an emotional performance which captures well his character’s inner turmoil. But the script and direction by Chima Nsoedo need more work. more by Megan Hunter

The cast of ‘He’s Not Black’ work well together as a company and are fully committed to their roles. Wayne Joseph, in particular, turns in an emotional performance which captures well his character’s inner turmoil. But the script and direction by Chima Nsoedo need more work. more by Megan Hunter

Here's Amy, "Ideally we are looking for 2 strong female roles, could be a 2-hander, around an hour long.  We will be exploring all avenues. Please send scripts to Amy at: rocknrolltheatre@gmail.com". Link to show

Programme not available now. BBC says "You can watch or listen to the vast majority of programmes via the Programmes website within 7 days of their broadcast on BBC TV or Radio. Unfortunately, certain programming, is subject to rights restrictions." here

Somebody somewhere is going to take up the idea that the tube map is racist; the brown and black lines for non-whites, blue for blue bloods, and the line to Golders Green looking like a Jewish nose. It’s a wonderful conspiracy theory and particularly appealing because it’s totally daft. Which party, I wonder, will use it in its campaign at the next election?

Expounding the theory while sitting on the tube is a good place to consider at it, as two young actors argue for and against in an echo of Dudley Moore and Peter Cooke in their dead pan hilarious conversation, one of a series sketches in “End of the Line,*” in a set that neatly replicates a tube carriage. No less loopy – but equally funny - was the young man who had a problem looking at his feet, and the strategies he adopted to keep them – if that’s not straining a cliché a little far – at arms length.

Not all the incidents were funny; the rat pleading with the late-night traveller not to jump onto the line, and the sweet/disturbing conversation between the man and the woman he picked up were just as engaging and absorbing although at a more sombre level.

More vivid, but oddly funny – not really pc to laugh at this, but we did – was about the man who courteously offered his seat to woman with a baby (alright so far) so he could stand up very close behind a strap-hanging tipsy girl and try furtively to molest her. Good deeds have unexpected consequences.

The racist sketch, where on officious inspector let loose her poison views on a black woman who couldn’t produce an ID was less successful. Powerful stuff, and like every story, well- acted, but sadly we know about this already, and setting this incident some time in the near future didn’t seem relevant. It didn’t offer any insights; some white officials are loathsomely racist now, and will be in the future.. – Fabian Acker

*End of the line: Tales on the Tube - until 25th August at The Roadtrip Bar, Old Street

Somebody somewhere is going to take up the idea that the tube map is racist; the brown and black lines for non-whites, blue for blue bloods, and the line to Golders Green looking like a Jewish nose. It’s a wonderful conspiracy theory and particularly appealing because it’s totally daft. Which party, I wonder, will use it in its campaign at the next election?

Expounding the theory while sitting on the tube is a good place to consider at it, as two young actors argue for and against in an echo of Dudley Moore and Peter Cooke in their dead pan hilarious conversation, one of a series sketches in “End of the Line,*” in a set that neatly replicates a tube carriage. No less loopy – but equally funny - was the young man who had a problem looking at his feet, and the strategies he adopted to keep them – if that’s not straining a cliché a little far – at arms length.

Not all the incidents were funny; the rat pleading with the late-night traveller not to jump onto the line, and the sweet/disturbing conversation between the man and the woman he picked up were just as engaging and absorbing although at a more sombre level.

More vivid, but oddly funny – not really pc to laugh at this, but we did – was about the man who courteously offered his seat to woman with a baby (alright so far) so he could stand up very close behind a strap-hanging tipsy girl and try furtively to molest her. Good deeds have unexpected consequences.

The racist sketch, where on officious inspector let loose her poison views on a black woman who couldn’t produce an ID was less successful. Powerful stuff, and like every story, well- acted, but sadly we know about this already, and setting this incident some time in the near future didn’t seem relevant. It didn’t offer any insights; some white officials are loathsomely racist now, and will be in the future.. – Fabian Acker

*End of the line: Tales on the Tube - until 25th August at The Roadtrip Bar, Old Street

Drawing the Curtains is the story of a young disabled girl and her brother. It is funny, poignant .. sometimes sad

Young, cool, ambitious and great musicians. Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0RsWPv0elY talk of the town @ e1lectric;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc-lCN4kOcY hangin' around @ the dublin castle

There were 1,886 confirmed votes, 834 unconfirmed votes in the competition. Thank you to all who voted. Will be starting up the competition again, soon, for 2011

BBC TV covered the event.

Philip Osment's script is profound in its complexity of the many kinds of abuse - each character except one is abused - and the interweaving of the story's plot lines. Diana Thomas directs with consummate skill; she uses the stage space effectively to separate scences which link to different times and locations, with minimal sets. Her subtle direction of the actors is sensitive in conveying the complex variations and degrees of abuse undergone by the characters, but with striking impact. more by FringeReport

To celebrate this and to offer recognition to artists and performers living in and/or working in the capital we present the London Awards for Art and Performance. The Award competitions for this year are coming to a close. All winners announced so far, and a few still to be decided by judges, will be given a trophy as recognition at the London Awards Ceremony this coming Thursday at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in the Aldwych in central London. The New Poetry Award and the Theatre Writing Award have substantial cash prizes attached, thanks to sponsors Cegin and Performance Initiative.

All events that have a London venue or are at a specific site are listed on the front page. And if these events have promotional material such as photographs/flyers they are featured on the front page. We're getting 12,000 page views and 2,500 people visits each week on average to the website and are ranked 2,713 in the UK.

.. at the fabulous New Diorama Theatre . Last night was the first reading and there will be two more tonight. Come along to see some wonderful actors read from two excellent plays shortlisted for the award. Industry networking at 5 PM.

The Winning Play will be announced and given a trophy as recognition at the London Awards Ceremony on the evening of August 26th at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Aldwych. Representatives have been invited from each production team.

Kathy lives in California. Sultan's Battery, is opening in Los Angeles on September 24th at the Whitmore-Lindley Theater.

Well, are they? Chair: Aleks Sierz, Panel: Nina Caplan, Shaun Hutchinson, Ben Holland more info

To be fair to everyone, we can only count votes that have been confirmed by clicking on a link in an e-mail that is sent to you. This is to ensure that fictitious e-mail addresses are not used.

Confirmation e-mails are sent out automatically after the vote is submitted on the award page. If you don't see it please check your spam folder.

Click to vote for these bands in competition: Frisky Holler, Kalakuta, New Cut Gang

Team Alma: Behind camera stuff - Mark Withers
On-screen talent - Trudi Jackson, Matthew Walker, Vivienne Gibbs, Fliss Walton, Lucy Caplin, Al Constantine, Nish, Tim Diggle.

Here's how the judges scored the competition.

West-country-based poet, Carrie Etter, originally from Normal, Illinois, and now teaching at Bath Spa University, became the first recipient of the £2,500 London New Poetry Award for her poetry collection, The Tethers

Unseen Tours provide a totally unique and exciting perspective on well-known landmarks and the lesser-known nooks and crannies of London. Led by homeless guides with their own distinctive styles and life histories .. Unseen Tours continue most days August 29. Click for when and where

Reading performances of the above plays will take place on August 22, 23rd at The New Diorama Theatre

The Press Launch for the London Fringe 2010 was held on Tuesday evening 6 July 2010 in The Actor's Church, (also known as St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED) in the centre of Covent Garden, London. There were performances by various fringe artists to give a flavour of the tremendous variety of art and performance in the London Fringe. more by FringeReport

The Press Launch for the London Fringe 2010 was held on Tuesday evening 6 July 2010 in The Actor's Church, (also known as St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED) in the centre of Covent Garden, London. There were performances by various fringe artists to give a flavour of the tremendous variety of art and performance in the London Fringe. more by FringeReport

Overall The Sorry People questions, to use its own words: 'What was wrong? What was right? Are motives easy to define? It is a humorous show, a dark comedy. The script, by Paul Eccentric, uses the humour to provoke thought, to provoke an internal moral debate, and to dampen the impact of the horror. more by FringeReport

Overall The Sorry People questions, to use its own words: 'What was wrong? What was right? Are motives easy to define? It is a humorous show, a dark comedy. The script, by Paul Eccentric, uses the humour to provoke thought, to provoke an internal moral debate, and to dampen the impact of the horror. more by FringeReport

Starting a public debate with a performance could kill the evening's pace; with a poet even more so. With a performance poet it could be much, much worse, even for 10 minutes. Some may feel that the main task of a performance poet is to make 10 minutes feel like a lifetime. But this is a good one, with an exciting and precise use of words. more by FringeReport

Starting a public debate with a performance could kill the evening's pace; with a poet even more so. With a performance poet it could be much, much worse, even for 10 minutes. Some may feel that the main task of a performance poet is to make 10 minutes feel like a lifetime. But this is a good one, with an exciting and precise use of words. more by FringeReport

Striking work by Ben Graville (www.bengraville.co.uk) is positioned just inside the front door. It feels very simple in form, clean, full of meaning - and interpretation. A hoody leans against a brick wall, Red Stripe lager-can and plastic cup at his feet; a dark figure reflected on a wall faces him. It's called The Less We Have The Cheaper The Party .. more by FringeReport

Striking work by Ben Graville (www.bengraville.co.uk) is positioned just inside the front door. It feels very simple in form, clean, full of meaning - and interpretation. A hoody leans against a brick wall, Red Stripe lager-can and plastic cup at his feet; a dark figure reflected on a wall faces him. It's called The Less We Have The Cheaper The Party .. more by FringeReport

.. the performer holds the stage confidently and commands the space. His presence is there - he is easy to watch, and there is a willingness for him to succeed, which is crucial for a performer. more by FringeReport

.. the performer holds the stage confidently and commands the space. His presence is there - he is easy to watch, and there is a willingness for him to succeed, which is crucial for a performer. more by FringeReport

All 3 rooms in CONTINUAL use - acoustic musicians, bands, poets, declaimers and the fabulous LA Donne  theatrical dance outfit. Click for line-up on poster.

After The Tone has the advantage of a good cast, good musicians, and good music, lyrics and libretto (Oliver Fenwick and Russell Thompson). Unfortunately, these do not make the material interesting or attention-grabbing, and there are no memorable songs to take away - which a musical does need. more by FringeReport

After The Tone has the advantage of a good cast, good musicians, and good music, lyrics and libretto (Oliver Fenwick and Russell Thompson). Unfortunately, these do not make the material interesting or attention-grabbing, and there are no memorable songs to take away - which a musical does need. more by FringeReport

A whole host of people were there - of course the calibre of musician on the shortlist meant that there was a plethora of talent present. The evening began with wine and pizza (and continued with wine and wine). About half of the club had been emptied of its tables, leaving room for mingling and chatting - a great atmosphere. More

A whole host of people were there - of course the calibre of musician on the shortlist meant that there was a plethora of talent present. The evening began with wine and pizza (and continued with wine and wine). About half of the club had been emptied of its tables, leaving room for mingling and chatting - a great atmosphere. More

Final on 23rd at the famous 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street, Soho

London 48 Hour Short Film Award 2010 Winner announced. Thursday, Roxy Bar and Screen

Theatre is where our thoughts and feelings are expressed in the most creative and direct way to an audience. These discussions are inspired by plays performed in London. Influential writers/thinkers in the world of theatre will discuss and argue these important issues in front of an audience. More here

Shortlists are here: Jazz Awards,  New Poetry Award

This is so we have enough time to inform the producers of the winning play and for them to attend the London Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf on Thursday, August 26

131 people confirmed for the Jazz and Poetry awards night this Monday, award nominees, TV/radio presenters, press, jazz musicians and poets, writers, critics,  publishers, others

We will be announcing winners for the Best Jazz Vocalist and Jazz Instrumentalist and Best New Poet. Both awards' winners were decided by their peers.

We'll take the musician/s with the highest number of votes in the first 3 competition gigs and invite them to play in the final at the 12 Bar Club in Denmark Street on Thursday, August 23. The winning musician/s will be decided on this night.

And for the first time, in the world's Art Capital, we are presenting 10 London Awards for Art and Performance in Jazz, Best Play, New Comedy, New Poetry, New Music, Art, Photography, Short Fiction, Theatre Writing and 48 hour Short Film

With David Studdert, Ct Poet, New Cut Gang, Miss Scarlett, Lil & The Lets, The Penneyballads, Happy Slaves.

Jennifer's story: Coming Into Senses

London New Music Award 2010 Competition on Thursday, August 19.  More gigs here

As part of the London Festival Fringe, newcomer David Savage took the decision to bring his brand of comedy to The Bridge House Bar. Dressed in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt reading Molly and Friends for Dementia, Savage bungled on to the stage with a flap cap and walking stick. To look at him you wouldn’t think he’d drive a turbo-diesel Honda Civic. He’s 66! But a turbo it is! Even though he is confused by the car’s security system and gets ignored by passersby when locked inside with the alarm blaring. Still, give him a third off on his travel rail card and he’d rather catch the train any day – even if his journey is spoilt by people talking into their mobile phones in the quiet carriage!

With an insight into growing pains, the medical profession and the depressing attitudes of today’s youth, Savage has the issues and the witty one-liners of Victor Meldrew and Alf Garnett, and though he lacks the conviction – or perhaps the confidence – to fire off rants with both barrels, he certainly has plenty of ammunition within his arsenal. For someone new to the game, at times Savage was right on the nozzle, and other times way off the mark.

Making his comedy debut and swigging on his “spitfire” beer, Savage swiftly regales us with hilarious stories of his life and shares his amusing – and often poignant - observations about the deterioration of the modern age and for this writer his performance summed up the first ever London Fringe Festival – not quite polished, but bags of potential to shine. [ By Richard Oldale ]

The Bridge House Bar till 9 August 2010

As part of the London Festival Fringe, newcomer David Savage took the decision to bring his brand of comedy to The Bridge House Bar. Dressed in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt reading Molly and Friends for Dementia, Savage bungled on to the stage with a flap cap and walking stick. To look at him you wouldn’t think he’d drive a turbo-diesel Honda Civic. He’s 66! But a turbo it is! Even though he is confused by the car’s security system and gets ignored by passersby when locked inside with the alarm blaring. Still, give him a third off on his travel rail card and he’d rather catch the train any day – even if his journey is spoilt by people talking into their mobile phones in the quiet carriage!

With an insight into growing pains, the medical profession and the depressing attitudes of today’s youth, Savage has the issues and the witty one-liners of Victor Meldrew and Alf Garnett, and though he lacks the conviction – or perhaps the confidence – to fire off rants with both barrels, he certainly has plenty of ammunition within his arsenal. For someone new to the game, at times Savage was right on the nozzle, and other times way off the mark.

Making his comedy debut and swigging on his “spitfire” beer, Savage swiftly regales us with hilarious stories of his life and shares his amusing – and often poignant - observations about the deterioration of the modern age and for this writer his performance summed up the first ever London Fringe Festival – not quite polished, but bags of potential to shine. [ By Richard Oldale ]

The Bridge House Bar till 9 August 2010