Melbourne Comedian Scores Massive Props At Edinburgh Fringe

A regular on the global comedy circuit, Melbourne funnyman Neal Portenza has been praised at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe awards for his latest offering, Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Tracey..

The absurdist comedian, who also performs under the name Dr. Professor Neal Portenza, scored runner-up at the festival’s Amused Moose Comedy Awards, behind UK winner Larry Dean, after making the official shortlist last week alongside Aussie comedian Tom Ballard, currently at the festival with The World Keeps Happening.

The big win for the local talent follows stints at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals and more, and further establishes an Australian presence at the Edinburgh giant.

Ballard was also nominated for Best Comedy Show at the 2015 Edinburgh Comedy Awards, which went to local hero Sam Simmons.

The 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominees are set to drop overnight before the top prize is allocated across the weekend.

WINNER: @larrydeancomedy wins @AmusedMoose Comedy Award 2016. @NealPortenza named runner-up. #edfringe pic.twitter.com/4GOWPhOioU

— Amused Moose Comedy (@AmusedMoose) August 21, 2016