The standard of the 2017 Funny Women Awards Regional Finals has been exceptional. In recognition of this, we are pleased to announce four wildcards – bringing the 2017 Funny Women Awards finalists up to 10. Despite being snowed in on the day of the Manchester Regional Final Megan Shandley was still chosen to be a wildcard who will go through to the Funny Women Awards Final on 12th March!
Funny Women: How does it feel to be through to the Funny Women Awards final?
Megan Shandley: Not gonna lie lads, I am absolutely CHEESING. I’d always aimed to get to the Funny Women Awards Final. So many successful comics have come through this competition and it feels very nice to be here. Feels good, guys… FEELS GOOD.
FW: How did you get started in comedy?
MS:I worked front of house at Gilded Balloon (Gilded Girl 4 lyf) during the Edinburgh Fringe 2011/2012 and watched so much comedy and got to know so many great comedians. Then I fell in love with one, and I would go to all his gigs with him. It was interesting watching his process, from the writing to performing on stage. I got to know a lot of the comedy community as friends and they were so much fun to hang out with and I could see they were just having so much fun doing what they were doing on stage – and off. Eventually, I wanted to try it out for myself. I love that comedy is a meritocracy. There’s so much freedom within it. If you’re making people laugh, then there’s space for you.
FW: Who is your comedy inspiration?
MS: I’m from Edinburgh, so have been involved with the Fringe as long as I can remember, and it’s amazing to see comics get better and progress and become more and more successful as the years go by. I find that very inspirational as a concept; turn up, work hard, make it happen.
I remember listening to an interview where Katherine Ryan was interviewing Sara Pascoe, and Sara saying that she thought it was insane that you could just wish for stuff and work really hard and then get it. I find that thought very inspirational, and take a lot of comfort from it.
Joe Lycett is wonderful; I love that he just looks like he is having the best time, whatever he is doing. And Jimmy Carr; his work ethic is extraordinary. What a lad.
FW: Who are your favourite funny women?
MS: Katherine Ryan is an absolute boss. I love her presence on stage; she just oozes determination. She has a great quote that spurs me on: “Everybody says to me: ‘You’ve got so much confidence’ – I don’t. It’s ambivalence that you’re mistaking as confidence – I just don’t care.” MIC DROP. If I win on the night, I may well just get that tattoed somewhere on my body. Maybe.
My comedy mother, Jojo Sutherland; a super funny woman, mentor and friend.
Chloe Petts is also one of my faves, a best pal and is also in the final this year, but don’t tell her I love her as much as I do or she’ll get embarrassed. She didn’t mention me once in her interview, so make of that what you will. I may or may not be breaking my restraining order when I see her at the Final on Monday…
You can see Megan Shandley at the 2017 Funny Women Award Finals with host Jan Ravens on 12th March at the Duchess Theatre. For tickets click here!
