Gareth Richards died in a automobile crash in April of this yr. Now he has been honoured on the Edinburgh Comedy Fringe Festival in Scotland, UK, turning into the primary ever recipient of the Victoria Wooden award.
The BBC stories that Richards, who had been showing on the Fringe Festival since 2010, was as a consequence of carry out once more this yr earlier than he was killed in April. As a substitute, his associates Dan Ward and Mark Simmons staged “A Present for Gareth Richards” in his identify, recruiting among the nation’s greatest comedy names to carry out.
The present raised nearly £20,000 ($25,000) which can go to a belief fund for Richards’ two sons.
Ward informed the BBC: “It feels actually sensational to have gained this award for Gareth.
“Victoria Wooden was the queen of musical comedy, and Gareth was our legend.
“Gareth’s identify might be endlessly related to this award, and that simply means every part.”
The Victoria Wooden Basis stated: “A Present For Gareth is a unprecedented initiative by his fellow associates and comics Mark Simmons and Danny Ward and embraced by the comedy group and audiences alike.
“Victoria would have been a part of it had she been right here. We’re delighted that that is the primary of the Victoria Wooden Awards and combines her spirit with that of the Fringe.”
Different recipients at this yr’s Fringe Festival – the most important of its type within the UK – embody Urooj Ashfaq, named greatest newcomer, and Ahir Shar, successful Sky Finest Comedy Present on the third time of making an attempt.