Funny Women are excited to be a part of the first ever WOW (Women of the World) festival at London’s Southbank Centre, a joyous celebration of the formidable strength and inventiveness of women – a pioneering, groundbreaking annual event which will present, recognise and celebrate women, and act as a conversation space for issues of all kinds.
Among the many wonderful performances on offer at the festival, Funny Women and PAWA (Pan Asian Women’s Association) have curated a brilliant showcase of all female Pan Asian comedy talent. The show, which takes place at the Royal Festival Hall between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday 12th March, aims to challenge the traditional stereotype of submissive and silent Pan Asian Women and represent them in a way that reflects how their culture interacts with today’s life in modern Britain.
Hosting is Sajeela Kershi, who made a name for herself as an audience ‘plant’ in the subversive show, ‘So I suppose This Is Offensive Now’ by Aussie comedian Brendan Burns in 2007 and then went on to make her solo debut at the Fringe with her show, ‘Bitch Got Owned’ in 2009.
Headlining the show is Shazia Mirza, our favourite Muslim stand-up who took Asian stereotype to a new level with her controversial television documentary ‘F*** off, I’m a Hairy Woman’ on BBC3 in March 2007. This award winning comic has featured on NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing and BBC’s Have I got News for You’.
The exceptional line-up also includes Chinese Canadian Joanne Lau, east meets west with this young talent who was runner up in our own Funny Women Awards in 2007. Other featured artists are Tina Mehta, Gauri Dandecker, Shaista Aziz, Sadia Azmet and Nimmi Harasgama who were all discovered by the Funny Women producers in last year’s Pan Asian heat of the Funny Women Awards at Asia House.
So, if you fancy yourself as a ‘funny woman’ we will be setting up ‘shop’ in the WOW market place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th March where you can meet the team and a few of our wonderful acts. The producers will also be on hand to talk to you about finding your female funny, and maybe sign up for the next Funny Women Awards…if you’re brave enough!
Buy a three-day WOW Festival Conference Pass for £30 (concessions £15, under-18s £10), which includes access to WOW daytime events. The three-day pass also entitles you to a 20% discount on one ticket for one ticketed evening event or for Life Cycle on Sunday 13 March at 1pm. Discount for WOW Festival Conference three-day Pass holders only available by phone 0844 847 9910 .
