The 2023 Grand Final of the Funny Women Awards took place at the Bloomsbury Theatre, hosted by Jo Brand, headlined by last year’s Stage Award winner Lorna Rose Treen, with Kate Cheka taking home the title of Stage Award winner 2023. With 10 incredible finalists delivering brilliant sets to try and take home the coveted Stage Award, it was an exciting night. We caught up with Kate to talk about her comedy style, what she’s been up to since her win and what’s she’s planning next.
How did you get into stand-up?
The long and convoluted story is there were a few things that happened in the space of about a year that meant this very vague idea of doing stand-up became the thing I was going to try doing. The short story is I flew to Nepal to meet a guy I was dating and he turned out to be an asshole and I was trying to spite him. Kind of in line with the Margaret Atwood quote, “men are afraid that women will laugh at them and women are afraid that men will kill them.” I was trying to make one man afraid. It is a revenge plan that got out of hand.
What was it like winning the 2023 Funny Women Stage Award?
Very unexpected because I got it into my head I was definitely not going to win. So there was the shock, and then I was so surprised I couldn’t really take it in at the time.
Why is Funny Women important to you?
Validation is always nice – hence why we do comedy. But industry validation, especially if that has been hard to come by or you’ve had bad experiences with certain industry hurdles, is very affirming. I was looking forward to the gig anyway because a comedian pal, Sharlin, who’d been in the finals the year before said it was the loveliest green room vibe, and she was not wrong. I felt like I made friends with all the other amazing acts in the final and that feels particularly special.
Tell us about your comedy style.
I’m never sure how to answer this. It’s my stories told as I would tell my mates. If a stranger asks me “what do I talk about?” I always say sex and colonialism. I guess sardonic and a bit political. Happy too. I tend to laugh at my own jokes, which I think you’re not supposed to do.
What’s next for you?
The eternal question from the freelance gods. I did my first ever solo show in Berlin last summer so I’d like to try write another. Before winning I was exploring broadening my comedy into other artistic ventures so I’m looking at that. And write. I have a deep desire to write at the moment, probably non-fiction, so I’m trying to get away for the winter to do that. I think with projects it’s best (for me at least) not to share them too early because sometimes they need a little protection from the harsh, judgy world but when I’ve got something to show I will let everyone know.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Sikisa – hilarious dream babe. Michelle de Swarte. Katherine Ryan. Sara Pascoe. Jo Brand. Aisling Bea. Sam Jay. Sarah Keyworth (non-binary). Kemah Bob. Esther Manito. Leila Navabi. Heidi Regan. Mary O’Connell. Fatiha Saleh. Su Mi. Samira Banks. Marty Gleeson. Farah Sharp. Suzie Preece… Oh god, there’s so many, I know many amazing funny women who are both some of my favourite comedians and favourite people. My friend Lettie.
What do you love about stand up?
It’s unifying. If you can get everyone in the room in the same moment laughing at the same thing altogether it feels good. I’m just a big advocate for things feeling good as much as possible.
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Images by Steve Ullathorne
