The Bobbys are Broadway Baby’s way to showcase what’s best about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Launched in 2011, The Bobby trophy is based on the iconic Greyfriar’s Bobby, a symbol of Edinburgh and now - we like to think - our Oscar of the Fringe. Oh, and it’s purely coincidental that ‘Best of Broadway Baby’ happens to fit our mascot so nicely.
In 2011 we launched the first Bobby - the Sixth Star.
The Sixth Star
The Sixth Star Award is given to the very best of Broadway Baby’s five-star shows. Sixth Star shows are truly special - the judging panel may decide to give just a few awards this year, or maybe none at all. Headed by Pete Shaw, producer and Broadway Baby publisher, this year’s panel will be looking for shows that stand out from the five-star crowd.
How does it work?
When a reviewer submits a five-star review to Broadway Baby, they also have the option to nominate the show for a Sixth Star. Only shows that have received a five-star rating from us are eligible for the award.
Nominated shows are viewed by representatives of the judging panel, who discuss the show in depth with the committee, comparing it with other shows nominated and the best shows at the Fringe in previous years.
Only the finest shows of the Fringe will be presented with the Sixth Star Award. Winners receive a Bobby trophy, a Sixth Star certificate, and the eternal adulation of the Broadway Babies.
In 2012 we have added a second Bobby to the line up - The Technical Bobby.
The Technical Bobby
The Fringe is a challenging place to take a show. Firstly the budgets are impossibly tight. There's rarely money available for the frills you'd find in a traditional run. And even when you can raise enough to do something interesting in your venue, you find there's nowhere to store the set. The shared lighting rig constrains your designer, and your wardrobe mistress is cursing the lack of washing machine in your tiny rented flat. Let's face it, it's quite amazing that there's so many consistently good shows at all. But just occasionally we'll spot a show that ignores the rules and manages to do something with sets, costume, lighting or other technical aspect of their show which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up in appreciation. That's why the second of our Bobby Awards recognises the crew who often go unrecognised. The creatives who support the actors and directors on stage. Everyone from the programme designer to the choreographer. Just not the actors or director. Them's the rules.
How does it work?
Our reviewers will be keeping their eye out for things that go above and beyond the Edinburgh norm.
We also invite you to contact editor@broadwaybaby.com if you feel your show has something technically special - but please do describe what that is.
Our judging team will evaluate the nominations, and if we agree that it's technically astounding, a Bobby will be yours.
