We've caught up with Funny Women Awards 2014 runner-up Lauren Pattison, to get her reaction to perfoming in the glittering awards final at the Leicester Square Theatre in front of a crowd of over 400 people, and (eek!) an illustrious panel of industry judges…
Funny Women: First off- well done! How does it feel to be a Funny Women Awards 2014 runner-up?
Lauren Pattison: Really good! I already picked the top three in my head before it was announced- and I didn’t include myself on that list! I didn’t expect it at all. I actually told my mum beforehand not to get her hopes up because I wasn’t going to place. I think that’s why I wasn’t so nervous before going on. It was actually the least nervous I’d ever been on stage, because I had convinced myself I wasn’t going to win! So I resigned to just do my best. A good strategy I’ll be using in the future, I think!
FW: Your parents had come down from Newcastle for the show- what was their reaction?
LP: Really chuffed. I think my dad wanted to get on stage himself! I’ve only ever got to the semi-final in comedy competitions, so I’m always disappointing them when they come to watch me! I’ve hopefully reclaimed the ‘favourite child’ spot over my sister, who’s just had a baby!
FW: What was your experience doing the Funny Women Awards, and comedy competitions in general?
LP: I’m not just saying this because I’m talking to you, but Funny Women are far and away the most friendly and supportive competition I’ve ever entered. After last year (Lauren made it to the semi-finals in 2013) I’ve had useful feedback and kept in touch with so many other people I met through the competition- I’ve always felt very supported throughout. My experience last year pushed me to work harder this year.
FW: Ah shucks, thanks Lauren! What are your plans for the future?
LP: To get as many open spots dotted around the place as I can until I finish uni. And learn to drive by the time I graduate so I can get to more gigs! I’m also tempted to do a comedy night at my uni.
FW: Good plan. What advice would you give a comic just starting out?
LP: Just to go for it! I know a lot of people turned their nose up at it when I first started because it was a bit unconventional, but if you want to do it don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t! I’ve been performing since 18, and everyone came around eventually.
Also make friends with other comics. I have a nice group of friends at The Stand in Newcastle who give me useful constructive criticism on my material and performance. I’ve definitely got better in the past year because of it.
I also think having a daily show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe definitely helped me hone my set as well.
FW: You are based in Newcastle. What’s the comedy scene like for female comedians there?
LP: It’s kind of getting easier. You still occasionally see it on people faces- the look of doubt when a woman walks out on stage. But I can name just as many big female names on the circuit as male ones nowadays, especially in the North East, which is great.
Although I stiill get the odd backhanded compliment “You’re pretty funny for a girl” type thing, but I think people are slowly accepting it!
FW: Now, very importantly- what are you going to do with the prize money and make-up?!
LP: A friend told me “Don’t spend it all on vodka- spend some of it on tequila!” and my parents were all like "uh, no way!" Ha ha. But I do want to spend it on something useful, like driving lessons. Or maybe I’ll go somewhere nice for the weekend. But mainly to try and not kill people when I’m driving!
Sounds good to us!
Make sure to catch up with Lauren's latest gigs and goings on @LaurenPattison
Pictured top: Lauren Pattison
Pictured bottom: Comedy Writing Award winner Megan Heffernan, Comedy Shorts Award winner Sally Cancello, Stage Award winner Jayde Adams, and Stage Award runners-up Lauren Pattison and Aine Gallagher.
Photographs by Grace Lightman.
