I knew it would be a magical week up here. From the moment Richard (Lynne’s husband) unveiled the electronic boot of his car which opens up majestically like a drawbridge from days of old – great aesthetically but not so good when trying to flee all those Funny Women groupies that fling themselves at us – I knew there would be more ooohs and aaahs in store. Of course, there always are up in Edinburgh in this self-contained bubble of non-stop partying and entertainment, not least for the city’s breathtaking scenery – it’s taken me at least 3 days to stop dribbling with appreciation over every cobblestone, “cute” little alleyway, the pubs drenched in history and genuinely breathtaking, sweeping views that inevitably greet you at every corner.
No downpours here – just drenched in mirth
More importantly though, at least at this time of year, it is the place where fledgling comedy gems are dragged from back-cave obscurity and thrust into the spotlight, where new talent is plugged and PRd to dizzying effect and perhaps, some might cynically argue, destroyed the next year. It is a time where your head swims with stars, due not only from smacking your head into yet another Underbelly cave tanked up on Highland Fling ale but the overriding obsession with the undeniable currency of a four or five-star review. It goes with the territory though and eeks into the everyday, I for one feel a little like asking for my money back if my first morning cup of coffee is hovering around a mere three stars.
Colour on every street corner
As distracted as we are by them, stars were never woven into the ethos of the festival when it began back in the late forties, rather, it was an opportunity for new and experimental talent to well.. experiment. And we still believe that is at the heart and ethos of what Funny Women does, yes, the Awards are a competition but they provide a platform for talent, that may otherwise have passed under the radar, to shine.
Our host Kate Smurthwaite
And shine the entrants flippin’ well have this week. We always knew it would be difficult to draw up the semi-final list from 350 applicants but the Edinburgh heats have pushed us to the limits yet again with the ludicrously strong array of talent on show. All heats have been wonderfully steered by the bouyance and warmth of three fabulous comperes – Anna Keirle, Kate Smurthwaite and Laughing Cows’ Maureen Younger, who rather amusingly was told she’d “go far” by one of our judges, who thought she was one of the acts!
“She’ll go far!” Our host Maureen Younger
But we’ve still one more to go at Just The Fancy Room @ The Caves – hosted by Rosie Wilby – tomorrow at 11.30, so come on down and support us for our final, yes FINAL heat before our very exciting semi-final next month.
Funny Women Loves…
Make sure you catch Catherine Semark’s wonderfully warm and witty interpretation of her education– Catherine Semark’s Curriculum – it’s like listening to velvet, very funny velvet! On at 1pm.
Catch this at Cabaret Voltaire on Blair Street – free but it shouldn’t be!
