Meet our Challenge Mentors and special guests…

1 minute read
Picture of James Burns

James Burns

The Funny Women Challenge is fast approaching! On Tuesday 1st November five 'comedy virgins' will take to the stage to perform stand up for the first time at Wimbledon's Cannizaro House. Our mentors have been working closely with our brave challengers over the past couple of weeks.

 

MEET THE MENTORS

Janet Bettesworth

Art teacher and stand-up comedian Janet delighted judges and audiences, making it to the Final of this year's Funny Women Awards. Read more about Janet HERE

Teresa Jennings

In addition to being a Funny Women Awards 2011 semi-finalist, Teresa qualified as a Nurse before training as an actress (nominated Most Promising Actress for The Swan Awards) she also has a BA Hons in French and Drama. “A rocket of entertainment” – Warren Mitchell

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

We're delighted to welcome Julia Streets who we first heard about when she was featured on Radio 4's Today Programme and invited her to perform her show as part of our Funny Women run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her material is based on true observations of corporate life gathered from 20 years earning her pinstripes. 

Music will come in the form of talented young singer Malory Torr. Malory has been performing her own original songs now for over two years and has reached the final selection of Pizza Express's Big Audition with Jamie Cullum music competition. 

This show is in support of The Victoria Foundation.

To book now for a great night out for a worthy cause, please CLICK HERE

Check these out

From the Funny Women Team

Pleasance expands Fringe Programme for 2026

This summer, Pleasance returns to the heart of the Fringe. From global comedy heavyweights to first-time performers, intimate new writing to large-scale spectacle, a further 95 shows announced today expand a programme that reflects the range and energy of the festival. More than a programme, it is a snapshot of the Fringe, where breakthrough acts, established names and future classics share the same stages. 

Read More »

Review : Charlie & Striptease 

Orsolya Nagy brings Soviet theatre to London in her double bill ‘Charlie & Striptease’. Both plays, written by Polish absurdist playwright Sławomir Mrożek, find dark comedy in the anxieties of life under an oppressive regime.

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Q&A : Folusho Falegan, Hoopla!

London-based improviser Folusho Falegan has spent nearly a decade finding comedy in everyday life. Known for her grounded, relationship-led style, she performs across three groups: Hoopla house team

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Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here