Funny Mummy Courtney Cornfield is finally making it up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year – after spending nine years “breeding” she is selflessly coming to the Funny Women Pop Up Fringe with her show 'Funny Mummies' to keep parents and their children entertained, it really is a family affair!
Courtney is a Canadian improviser, a Funny Women regular and mentor for our Charity Challenge participants. Courtney has had many years of improv experience spanning both sides of the Atlantic. At Calgary’s Loose Moose Theatre, Courtney wrote sketches for late night sketch shows and undertook improv training alongside globally renowned trainers Keith Johnstone, Dennis Cahill and Shawn Kinley. Courtney was fortunate enough to be one of the first of 14 improvisers to play Johnstone’s Micetro Improv when it was in its fledgling state.
Between making her own kids and others laugh Courtney talked to us about Edinburgh and her favourite comedians.
Funny Women: Is this your first time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
Courtney Cornfield: Yes this is my first Edinburgh Fringe Festival as I have spent the last nine years breeding! I used to do theatre sports at the Edmonton Fringe in Canada, so I know a fair bit about festival though!
FW: How did you first get involved with Funny Women?
CC: I first became involved with Funny Women when I tweeted Funny Women founder Lynne Parker a blog about how improvisation helped my parenting. She asked me if she could publish it on the website. Then I wrote some more articles for the site, entered the Funny Women Awards, took a stand up workshop and from that I have co-founded the Funny Women Players, which we’re launching in November – watch this space!
FW: What can we expect from 'Funny Mummies'?
CC: You can expect lots if creative play and interactive improvisation with my show. High energy fun, but not squeaky American TV kid show type energy.
FW: Whose shows are you most looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
CC: I have so many shows I want to see, as I will be without my own kids for 10 days and I can finally see all my friends shows that I don't usually get a chance to see in London. Leanne Davis's show 'Miss-Adventure' and Lucy Frederick's 'In Pursuit of Cool' are top of my list. Then Jenny Eclair . I'd like to see some dark, disturbing drama as well – it's all about balance!
FW: Who are your favourite female comedians?
CC: My favourite female comedians are: American comedian Gilda Radner (R.I.P), Bette Midler, Canadian comic from the 80s Andrea Martin, Ava Vidal, Miranda Hart and Katherine Ryan.
To find out more about Courtney's Show 'Funny Mummies' and the Funny Women Pop Up Fringe CLICK HERE!
