Manchester’s been a bit depressing in the last few days, with the Tory Party Conference taking over most of the city. If you’re desperate for a breath of fresh air, then you’re in luck – yesterday kicked off the month-long UK Women In Comedy Festival, which will see the Greater Manchester area inundated funny ladies until October 27th. Spearheaded by Hazel O'Keefe of Laughing Cows Comedy, this is the first event of its kind in the UK, and features an exciting programme of shows and events.
Laughing Cows have collaborated with many other female comedy producers to put the Festival together, including Funny Women. We’re bringing an Awards Showcase and taster Comedy Workshop up to Manchester on October 24th – but before then, there’s a massive array of shows to see. If you’re feeling lost, don’t despair; you can put your programme to one side, as we’ll be giving you our very own week-by-week lowdown on the must-see acts throughout October! Grab a cup of tea and keep reading for the skinny on what to see in Week One…
We’re pleased to see a whole load of Funny Women Awards alumni making the trip up to Manchester to join the Festival’s incredible line up. Kicking things off tonight is our very own Dotty Winters, last seen onstage at this year’s Funny Women Awards Final just over a week ago. Stick around for semi-finalist Cecilia Delatori’s Quick Quick Slough, which combines stand-up, musical comedy and musings on Maggie Smith on Sunday 6th October (18:00-18:45 at the Taurus Bar). And our 2006 Awards winner, the wonderful Suzy Bennett, will be pairing up with Sajeela Kershi for Funny Fillies on Monday 7th October (18:00-19:30 at the King’s Arms). Expect Suzy’s trademark sweet yet hilarious material to provide a perfect end to Week One.
Those of you who came to our Pop-Up Fringe this year at the Edinburgh Festival might remember a certain Ishi Khan-Jackson, who’s infectious blend of comedy is guaranteed to leave you grinning. If you missed it at the Fringe – or just can’t wait to see it again – you’ve got another chance to catch I Am Happy! on Friday 4th October (19:30-20:30 at the Taurus Bar). And for comedy that’s intelligent and thought-provoking, check out Kate Smurthwaite’s My Professional Opinion on Sunday 6th October (19:00-20:00 at the King’s Arms) – it’s about as far across the political spectrum from the Tory party conference as you can get. We saw Kate’s work in progress back in July and loved it – check out our review HERE!
Bristol-based What the Frock! always impress with their monthly all-female line ups, and they’re bringing some very special events to the Festival this week too. On Thursday 3rd October you can catch a very special triple-bill at the King’s Arms. First up is Funny Women Awards 2013 runner-up Elf Lyons with her acclaimed show Elf Lyons is a Pervert (18:30-19:30 in the Snug). As well as delighting our audience and judges at the Final, Elf stormed this year’s Camden Fringe, so be sure to check her out while you can.
Following Elf is 2012 Awards finalist Viv Groskop with I Laughed I Cried (19:00-20:00), which, like Ishi, joined the bill at our Pop-Up Fringe. Viv’s new book – same title – is one of our top reads of 2013, and charts her journey from stand-up novice to established comedian by tackling100 gigs in 100 days. Finally, WTF!’s regular compere Jayde Adams hosts a showcase of brilliant female stand ups that includes 2013 Awards finalist Bethan Roberts (20:30 – 22:30). Her anecdotes about her bearded Welsh nan won us over at the Leicester Square Theatre – be prepared to be delighted!
WTF! aren’t the only female comedy organization to be hitting Manchester this week – keep your eyes peeled for all-female comedy outing Laughing Labia, set up by 2012 Awards finalist Alice Frick with fellow female comic Lauren Karl. Laughing Labia has not one, but three outings; see them at the Taurus Bar on Friday 4th (21:00 – 23:00), Saturday 5th (20:30-22:00) and Sunday 6th October (20:00-22:30). They’re joined by different comedians for each show, but all three will be hosted by either Lauren or Alice. And, if you can’t get enough of the hilarious Miss Frick, her solo show Joke will also be heading to the Taurus Bar on Saturday 6th (19:00-20:00).
And, although we aren’t heading to the Festival until October 24th, there’s still plenty to get you excited for our upcoming Funny Women events! Rachel Fairburn, who will be hosting our Awards Showcase at the Lowry, has her own work-in-progress show on Saturday 5th October. Be sure to catch All The Fun of the Fairburn (22:00-23:00 at the King’s Arms) ahead of further outings this year – it looks ace.
If you’re coming to our Awards Showcase you automatically get free entry to our Funny Women Comedy Workshop, which is the perfect way to dip your toe into trying stand up for the first time. But for the plucky among you who are feeling extra brave, head to Wet Feet at the Lass O'Gowrie (20:00-22:00). It’s a free open mic comedy night and a chance for aspiring comics to test their material in front of a willing audience – what are you waiting for?
So there you have it – your handy guide to the Festival’s first week. Have fun, and join us on Monday when we’ll be giving you the lowdown on the pick of the programme for Week 2!
The UK Women In Comedy Festival runs all over Manchester, 1-29th October. For more information and a full programme, visit their website HERE.
Pictured: UK Women In Comedy Festival, Elf Lyons, Alice Frick
