Have you ever watched stand up comedy and then had an urge to tell jokes and funny stories yourself? If not to perform, then maybe to write something funny? Are you inspired by the success of great funny women like French & Saunders, Jo Brand, Sarah Millican or Miranda Hart?
We’ve been running the Funny Women Awards now for 11 years, and last week’s final marks the start of 15 brand new comedy careers (13 acts including two double acts). We are so proud of all of our alumni who go on to have wonderful careers once they’ve cut their comedy teeth with us – just check out HERE to see who’s been in the final of the Funny Women Awards.
Two of this year’s finalists kick started their comedy journeys with us by taking part in one of our workshops. Less than two years ago Sindhu V came along to one of our regular Stand Up to Stand Out Workshop at the Leicester Square Theatre and quickly discovered that she has very funny bones, or at least her mother does!
“I took part in the London heats of the Awards last night,” said Sindhu back in May 2012. “It went fine (read: I kept my sh*t together and didn't pass out/pee on stage). I enjoyed myself thoroughly and felt (weird bit coming up) almost invincible for a short while after I finished. I haven't felt that way since I was 25 (many, many moons ago) and the evening was a real treasure, just for that.
“I wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you because if you hadn't been so encouraging at the workshop I would have chickened out totally and never entered the heats. And then I would have thought feeling invincible was a thing of the past.”
One year and a few months on, Sindhu took her rightful place in this year’s Awards final and said, “It was a tremendous feeling to play to over 400 people. Funny Women gave me that chance.”
Dotty Winters also performed in this year’s Funny Women Awards Final and says, “When I attended the Funny Women Workshop Weekend in February this year, I wasn’t sure why I was doing it, or what I wanted to get out of it! I did know that the thought of ever doing stand up terrified me, and I think I must have wanted to face that fear head on.
“The weekend gave me a chance to experience different types of comedy and to meet some truly fantastic people….. and it planted a seed. I did my first gig a month after the course, and just over six months and 40 ish gigs after that I stood on stage at The Leicester Square Theatre as a finalist in the Funny Women Awards 2013. I still can’t tell you why I did any of it…. but I’ve loved every minute!”
So, if you want to feel invincible and explore how you can write and perform comedy, join us this coming Saturday 5th October between 11.00am and 1.00pm for two fun-filled hours learning how you can use the techniques of stand up to launch your comedy career or improve your confidence and presentation skills. There are a few places left and the booking link is HERE.
Stand Up to Stand Out Workshops run once a month at the Leicester Square Theatre. Introductory Workshops last two hours and costs £49.50. Advanced workshops last three hours and cost £65.00.
We also have a very special one hour 'taster' workshop at the Women in Comedy Festival UK on Thursday 24th October at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. Entry is just £5 (bargain!) or free with your ticket to our Awards Showcase. More details HERE.
To see all future workshop dates click HERE.
Pictured top, Sindhu V and bottom, Dotty Winters, in action at this year's Funny Women Awards Final.
