Nestled in the heart of London’s Southbank, the BFI is always one of our top picks for an evening out that’s both entertaining and educational. Back in February, Funny Women enjoyed an evening dedicated to the legendary producer Beryl Vertue, with a fascinating insight into her comic creations. We’re delighted to see that they've programmed a new short season of comedy taking place at the moment to celebrate an updated version of John Fisher’s Funny Way to be a Hero, which includes an evening celebrating the best in female comedy.
First published in 1973, Fisher’s book is widely regarded to be one of the most seminal works on 20th century comedians and comedy. Now, forty years on, he has updated his masterpiece for a brand new edition. The BFI’s short Heroes of Comedy season celebrates a new updated version, with a programme of events that celebrates the best in comedy. Each evening will take a cue from the book itself, juxtaposing the giants of the past with modern-day comedy heroes.
We’re particularly excited for the upcoming Funny Women evening. Throughout the 20th century, the role of women in comedy has grown immensely. Whilst in the past female comics had to be content to be comic foils to male comedians of the day, a handful made an impact that gradually leveled the playing field, paving the way for many of our favourite female comics today. This evening celebrates funny women past and present, with precious footage from comedians such as Beryl Reid, Hylda Baker and Suzette Tarri alongside newer talent like Miranda Hart, Sarah Millican and Laura Solon.
If you’re not able to make this terrific event, the season continues with The Storytellers and the Surrealists on Friday 27th September. Celebrating some of the characters who delighted audiences with their flights of fantasy (including Robb Wilton, Spike Milligan and Tommy Cooper) this evening will explore how their legacy lives on through the bizarre comedy of Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill, Ross Noble and The Mighty Boosh.
And return to the Southbank on Thursday 3rd October to catch Double Acts and Gang Shows, which celebrates the best in comedy in numbers. Double acts such as Mike and Bernie Winters and Morecambe and Wise meet modern-day duos such as Funny Women office favourites French and Saunders. The evening will also take a look at comedy in larger numbers, with offerings from talents such as The Crazy Gang and The League of Gentlemen.
You can catch all events in the BFI’s Heroes of Comedy season on the following dates:
Funny Women, Wednesday 18th September at 8pm
Storytellers and Surrealists, Friday 27th September at 6.20pm
Double Acts and Gang Shows, Thursday 3rd October at 6pm
For more information on the season, visit the BFI website HERE.
Pictured: Miranda (Funny Women), Ken Dodd (The Storytellers and the Surrealists), Morecambe and Wise (Double Acts and Gang Shows).
