Observations: Secrets of well-judged laughter

After four years of criticising the choices of the Perrier and now if.comedy award panel as an outsider, I was happy to be asked to be a judge for the 2007 and 2008 awards and crown the Edinburgh Fringe's best comedian. As judges, we field the same questions over and over, the answers to which are: we see an average of four to five shows a day; no, we never get jaded as long as it's good; and yes, we have vehement disagreements.

Judging comedy ultimately comes down to instinct and belly laughs but within that there has to be taken into consideration the difference in styles. This year the consistent whimsy of winner David O'Doherty contrasted with the high-octane mania of Rhod Gilbert. Questions are asked of the delivery, style and structure of a show as well as a sense of the "gpm", gags per minute. A clumsy ending or too many lulls can make or break an otherwise excellent show.

All shortlisted shows on the main list are seen twice and a second viewing can be the key for the floating voter. I felt Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunholer's show was much stronger the second time round. With a total of 10 people on the panel (a mix of critics, public competition winners and TV and radio producers and commissioners) the second viewings can throw up some surprises.

I have to admit to being a bit floored by seeing my favourites for 2007 and 2008 (Andrew Maxwell and Gilbert respectively) lose a hard-fought battle. The only consolation is that the shortlists for both years were strong and the eventual winners had much to commend them. Whoever wins the panel hopes that they will be an ambassador for comedy and that the significance of the award lasts long after the hangover of the awards party.

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