I first saw Andi Osho nearly two years ago at a recording of BBC 7's sketch show Recorded for Training Purposes. While introducing her to the audience the producer said, 'Andi has to leave early because she's going to record a tv gig. She probably won't be in the cast next year, because she's about to become famous.'
Since then Andi's profile has exploded. She currently stars on Channel 4's Stand Up for the Week, has become a regular on panel shows like Mock the Week, had a much-coveted spot on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, has a regular slot on the now-rebranded BBC Radio 4 Extra…she has indeed become famous.
Funny Women first saw Andi Osho years before this when she won the Funny Women Awards in 2007. She has gigged for Funny Women quite a lot from that time, including hosting last year's Funny Women Awards final. This is a gig that has gone down in Funny Women history as she expertly dealt with a mad heckler who eventually prompted the police to be called in! She won't be hosting this year because she is currently touring with her Afroblighty tour, more details of which can be found on her website.
Andi Osho is one of several great success stories to come out of the Funny Women Awards, and it is generally heartening to see an influx of funny women on UK screens, radios, and stages: Andi, former finalist Sarah Millican will bothl be on the upcoming Channel 4 Comedy Gala, and former finalist Pippa Evans recently starred on BBC2 improv show Fast and Loose as well as her own upcoming BBC Radio 4 series to name a small handful.
A comedian has to be fearless: confident in their material, bold on stage, and unafraid of getting themselves into the public eye and onto our screens. It's great to see so many female comedians who have the metaphorical balls to get the job done.
Andrea Miller
