What better way to wrap up the month than with the Funny Women Awards final! An absolutely killer show with ten incredible comedians performing, three hilarious short films and an appearance from last year’s winner Lara Ricote. Thanyia Moore hosted with aplomb (that’s right, aplomb). WOWEE what a night.
Now onto October: There are UK-wide tours, live podcast recordings, clown shows, and even someone getting sued! It’s officially autumn now so being outside after dark is cancelled — go see some comedy.
Anna Marie Simonsen: Naughty
Thursday 6th October, The Bill Murray
Anna Marie Simonsen’s run of Naughty in Edinburgh was just a short one so I missed seeing her, but heard a lot of chatter about how good this show is. Described as a ‘flirtatiously disturbing’ performance by a clown in crocs, Naughty looks at the sexualisation of young girls and the infantilisation of women. For tickets click here!
Kiri Pritchard McLean: Home Truths
On tour until 28th November 2023
Like many of us over lockdown, Kiri Pritchard McLean returned to her hometown and rescued some chickens. Now she’s taken off from Anglesey for a big old tour, with jokes on comedy’s holy trinity of topics: skinny jeans, learning Welsh and white supremacy. Kiri is not only one of the best comedians, she’s also just generally smashing: At her shows she’s collecting biscuits for local homeless shelters and food banks, so make sure you’ve packed a packet of custard creams. For tickets click here!
Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not to Come
Tuesday 18th — Saturday 22nd October, Soho Theatre
Poppy Jay and Rubina Pabani are taking over the Soho Theatre for a few live sessions of their super popular podcast Brown Girls Do It Too. Nothing’s off limits from first orgasms and period sex to racism and family politics. As well as chat, there’s gonna be songs, sketches and just a big celebration of Brown British women. For tickets click here!
Party: Attorneys at Law
Tuesday 18th October, Watershed Bristol
Objection! I CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH! The truth is that our favourite trans/nb/female comedy night in Bristol is doing a lawyer-themed show. Hosts Imogen Trusselle and Pravanya Pillay are being sued, and after making the questionable decision to represent themselves, have been studying for the Bar exam. They will call the following witnesses to the stand: Aisha Amanduri, Twisted Trans Sister, Farnaz Zare, Jessie Johnson and Jen Ives. Are they trustworthy? YOU decide. For tickets click here!
Sarah Roberts & Kiran Saggu: Cake (The After Party) !!!!!
Wednesday 19th October, 2Northdown
It’s your last chance to see Sarah Roberts and Kiran Saggu’s joint Edinburgh Fringe show Cake, before they spread their wings and abandon each other for successful solo careers. Celebrate their big finish with a slice of cake and some very demure jokes from two wallflowers. Don’t look at them, the attention is too much. For tickets click here!
FOC It Up Comedy Club
Thursday 20th October, 21Soho
Kemah Bob hosts another edition of the FOC It Up Comedy Club podcast live recordings. It’s now one of my favourite pods — I love the mix of stand-up and chat and super strong audience vibes. You could contribute to those vibes! By going to the show! As well as Kemah, this line-up includes Dana Alexander, Chin Wang, Kiran Saggu, Nayonica Ghosh, Heleana, Blackwell, The Mollusc Dimension and Cansu Karabiyik. For tickets click here!
Julia Masli: CHOOSH!
Monday 24th — Tuesday 25th October, Soho Theatre
One of the highlights of this year’s Fringe was seeing so many people enjoying Julia Masli — I enjoyed watching people enjoy Julia almost as much as I enjoyed actually watching Julia’s comedy (read our review). CHOOSH! is a delight from start to finish, the story of a clown who travels to America in search of a hotdog. It’s a show of few words and many props. I recommend sitting near the front for some of the loveliest audience interaction you’ll get at a comedy show. For tickets click here!
Hannah Fairweather: Just A Normal Girl Who Enjoys Revenge
28th October, Pleasance Islington
Everyone has a nemesis (if you don’t have a nemesis, I can guarantee you are someone else’s) and we deserve revenge! Hannah Fairweather is in her Taylor Swift Blank Space era and the world should know. Having smashed Edinburgh, her show is back as part of the Pleasance Islington’s Best of Edinburgh season. If you’re one of the people who has previously wronged Hannah by doing something fairly innocuous, prepare to be torn a new one. For tickets click here!
Funny Women Brighton Nights
Saturday 29th October, Komedia Brighton
Brighton is home to another Funny Women showcase (lucky Brighton), this time with one of this year’s amazing stage award finalists, Sharlin Jahan! She’s joined by Victoria Olsina, Hannah Fairweather, Arielle Souma and headliner Yuriko Kotani, all hosted by the dreamy Karen Hobbs. For tickets click here!
