Is the Fringe funny?
It's almost as traditional a part of Edinburgh as the tattoo, the annual Perrier award row.
The first of this year's skirmishes over comedy's most high profile award has broken out following a Sunday newspaper article claiming that politics had 'killed off' comedy at the Fringe.
The report quoted various Perrier judges lamenting the "soul-destroying" lack of wit at the festival, describing shows as 'of the level of fifth-form humour' and obsessed with politics.
But the panel has hit back, issuing an official statement which started: 'Heard the one about the news journalist who hadn't heard of Dara O'Briain and The Mighty Boosh trying to write a piece about comedy?'
It said the judges' comments were 'misquoted and taken out of context'.
Panelist Ruby Kuraishe from Channel 4, said: 'We have had some good, some bad but many very funny shows. I'm looking forward to the discussion on Wednesday [when the nominees are announced]. It's going to be a tough call.'
And BBC radio's John Pidgeon, who is chairing the panel, said: 'This year is exciting because it is so wide open. There is no obvious frontrunner.'
*American physical comedy duo Pajama Men, who were nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer awards under the name Sabotage - have scooped the Dubble Act award for he funniest duo in Edinburgh.
They collected their award on Saturday.
