On Friday 23rd November, Funny Women took a handful of Viv Groskop, a pinch of Sarah Courtauld, a dash of Rowan Pelling, a soupcon of Julia Streets and mixed them all together with Lynne Parker, Kegel 8 special edition gold balls and delicious cake from The Alberts Deli. What did such a recipe produce? An entertaining and informative evening which explored the dualities that come from both writing and performing comedy, presented as part of the Richmond Literature Festival.
The evening began with a panel discussion, led by Funny Women founder Lynne Parker, which started in the usual way – where do you find your inspiration for comic writing? How do you fit writing into your schedule? – and ended with Comedy Writing Award winner Sarah Courtauld revealing her experiences of living with a religious cult. Respected journalist Rowan Pelling then divulged the tale of the time she stood on a cab driver in the middle of the street at one in the morning, apparently in aid of creating material for her writing…
Prior to the interval, Stephanie from sponsors Kegel 8 spoke about the surprise awaiting the attendees in their gift bags, limited edition gold Kegel balls, which are used to test the strength and health of your pelvic floor muscles. Lorna Votier then told the audience about the important work The Victoria Foundation do, and encouraged everyone to purchase a raffle ticket to support them. One of the raffle prizes was a complimentary ticket to the Workshop Weekend which was won by one of the men in the audience, but passed on to (our now good friend!) Judy who had been brought along to get inspiration for her own forays into comedy.
After consuming vast quantities of cake and wine, the audience took their seats for the second act – performances by each of the comedy writers, hosted by Julia Streets. Julia has recently written a book, ‘The Lingua Franca of the Corporate Banker’, and much of her act centred around the very strange things corporate-types say to each other. Apparently she has been told she's 'opening her kimono' more than once! Viv Groskop recited her much acclaimed feminist rap or ‘frap,’ (kudos must be given for including Mary Woolstencraft in a comedy set), while Rowan Pelling gave us insights into the world of writing for the Erotic Review and attending the most middle-class 'orgy' in the world. Apparently, one couldn't leave until one had shagged the hostess…and written her a thank you note.
With some fabulous audience participation (Sex is fun! opined one Festival goer,) the sell-out crowd showed their appreciation with probing questions and huge applause. We’re not quite sure if Duke Street Church had ever seen quite such an event… or will again! We’re planning on expanding the format and taking it out to other literary festivals, so watch this space.
See more photos from the event at the Funny Women facebook page HERE.
