A MUSICAL described as clever, inventive and wickedly hilarious has won the Argus Angel award at the Fringe closing ceremony.

Urinetown played at Brighton Little Theatre between May 13 and 20 with most of the shows selling out.

The Argus’s Barrie Jerram began his review of the show with the words “brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!” and awarded it five stars.

Directed by Louis Craig, Urinetown is a satirical story set in the not-so-distant future, a time where a 20 year-drought has prompted a government ban on private toilets.

Only paid public lavatories remain, owned and operated by a malevolent company. Those who don’t obey the laws prohibiting free urination are sent to the fearful Urinetown.

This threat is enough to bring about a revolt from the poorest people in society, led by one brave, young hero.

Despite the often dark subject matter our reviewer said the production had the audience “hooting with laughter throughout”.

Barrie added that the satirical nature of the show required a “tongue-in-cheek style of acting” which was “delicately balanced and wickedly hilarious”. He also praised actors Tony Bright, Ollie Wray, Ellie Earl, Neil Sellman and Elsie Lovelock.

The ceremony was held at The Warren, St Peter’s Church North, on Sunday night, hosted by Fringe managing director Julian Caddy and performer Boogaloo Stu.

Twenty four awards were given out. Mr Craig said he was delighted and thanked Fringe audiences.

He said: “It’s been great to be in Brighton, thank you so much to everyone who came.”

The Fringe has now closed after a month in Brighton with more than 1,000 shows. Children’s show The Tale of the Cockatrice by Mumblecrust Theatre was another big winner at the ceremony, scooping the Voice’s Best Newcomer to Brighton Fringe prize and the International Youth Arts Festival: Best of Brighton Fringe Children and Family Show award.

Katie Underhay, of the theatre group, said: “We’re so happy and surprised. The audiences at Brighton Fringe have been really lovely but we’ve now been recognised by the industry as well, which just feels crazy.”

Julian Caddy said: “Though it’s of course a grand celebration it is always a humbling moment to attend the awards. It brings home all the hard work that goes in to making Brighton Fringe what it is.

“I would like to congratulate and thank not only all the winners and nominees but also everyone who makes the Fringe happen.

“Every year it’s a miracle but somehow we always manage to get away with it. Roll on 2018.”