The girls are on an equal footing in this year's British Comedy Awards! In the running for King or Queen of Comedy are Jo Brand, Miranda Hart and Sarah Millican, who's chances of the main prize are pitched against the equally strong talents of David Mitchell, Graham Norton and Jack Whitehall.
Speaking about the nominations, Funny Women founder, Lynne Parker, who is a member of the British Comedy Academy, says: "It's brilliant to see an equal number of women in a shortlist for such a prestigious award. Miranda Hart won the hearts of the nation last year with the People's Choice Award, which is chosen by public vote, so the precendent is already set."
Women have a great tradition in television comedy and there's always room for more. French & Saunders, Katherine Tate and Katy Brand have contributed to the rich seam of female talent on our small screens over the last 30 years so it's strange that the stand up circuit doesn't reflect this.
"I have said for years that women have to be better than men to get ahead in comedy and their work ethic is reflected in the success they achieve once they are given the same playing field as the men," comments Lynne. "It's not that they are necessarily funnier – it is a demonstration of how culture reflects society and we now more readily understand and accept women's humour as part of this.
"As women have become more equal in the Western world, our humour has been absorbed into the mainstream. Think Lucille Ball, Roseanne Barr and Joan Rivers in the US, and Joyce Grenfell, Marti Caine and Victoria Wood here in the UK – this is barely skimming the surface as women have made a huge contribution to the comedy world as writers, producers and directors as well as performers."
Women were very well represented in last year's British Comedy Awards with Miranda Hart winning awards for the Best New British TV Comedy and Best TV Comedy Actress, as well as the People's Choice Award. Jo Brand won Best Female TV Comic and Samantha Spiro was awarded Best Female Comedy Breakthrough Artist for 'Grandma's House'.
To cast your vote for the King or Queen of Comedy please visit Channel 4 British Comedy Awards HERE – voting closes on 16th December.
