If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh this August to check out the Fringe, Funny Women is here for you. We have a team of mentors, some friendly events and even legal advice if you need it. And all of this made possible thanks to the support of Russells for the second year running.
If you’re new to comedy, the world’s largest arts festival can be overwhelming. Which shows should I see? Are there open mics I can perform at? Where can I hang out with other comics, get a cheap meal, cry in private??!!
If you are a funny woman heading to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, Funny Women’s Glitter Project is here to support you.
We have spent 23 years supporting and developing new comedy talent at grassroots with our ground-breaking Funny Women Awards, workshops, courses and open mic events. Our priority has always been to build confidence in female performers, writers and creators to give them the opportunity to pursue comedy careers.
Russells has a proud, 50 year history of advising clients in the entertainment industry. Alice Rudge, senior associate at Russells says, “We are delighted to be supporting Funny Women again at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with The Glitter Project and grateful for the opportunity to support those bringing humour, and a little bit of glitter, into the world.”
Our inspiration for The Glitter Project is Jo Fletcher-Cross, one of our non-executive directors and comedian, who was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in summer 2022 on the eve of her Edinburgh debut. With Jo’s blessing we have created an enduring legacy to encourage those who are already enjoying a glittering comedy career to pay it forward. Jo loves sparkly stuff and believes that everybody deserves a ‘bit of glitter’ in their lives. Read Jo’s Substack for background.
“I’m so fortunate to have worked alongside some incredible funny women throughout my career, in many different capacities'” says Jo. “All I have ever wanted to do is find joy, laughter and a bit of sparkle along the way in life and I’m so thrilled that The Glitter Project will help fabulous funny women with the tools, bravery and knowledge to keep the laughter going for many years to come.”
Lynne Parker, founder of Funny Women says: “After we launched The Glitter Project at the Fringe last year we have now established an industry-wide initiative supporting those who don’t have the resources, accessibility, or financial means to pursue a comedy career.
“With funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England we created ‘A Safe Place’ and set up six hubs with regional producers in London, Medway, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.
“We’ve seen so many talented and amazing performers, writer and creators from our Awards and wider community events go on to have huge commercial success. Grassroots development in safe female identifying environments is vital to ensure gender parity in our industry.”
OUR EVENTS PROGRAMME
Pre-Fringe Meet the Mentors online event – Tuesday 22nd July from 12.00 midday – 1.00pm. Booking details here. Join us on Zoom to find out more about The Glitter Project before you head to Edinburgh.
Three in-person Meet the Mentors events during the Fringe in Edinburgh:
LAUNCH EVENT: Sunday 3rd August – Gleneagles Townhouse 10.30am-1.00pm. Booking details here.
Monday 11th August – Bar 50, 10.00-11.00am. Booking details here.
Tuesday 19th August – Bar 50, 10.00-11.00am. Booking details here.
Two Open Mic comedy events during the Fringe in Edinburgh:
Wednesday 13th August – The Counting House, 8.30-9.30pm. Booking details here.
Wednesday 20th August – The Counting House, 8.30-9.30pm. Booking details here.
These will be run by our mentors, with priority given to acts who don’t have shows to promote at the Fringe. To request an open spot to perform please email fwtheglitterproject@gmail.com.
Huge thanks to Gleneagles Townhouse for hosting our launch, and Alex Petty of the Free Fringe Festival for finding us venues to host our events.
OUR LEAD MENTORS
Rachel Creeger has come up through the Funny Women ranks. Having been working in the comedy industry for 14 years in other capacities, she had her first proper stand-up gig at a Funny Women open mic event nine years ago and has gone from strength to strength with the organisation’s support. Now one of our non-executive board members, Rachel makes a point of giving opportunities to other female and non-binary voices in the way she was supported.
Rachel is now a multi-award winning stand up comedian, writer and director. She has taken five critically acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, toured the UK and internationally, performing at festivals, theatres and art venues. Rachel is the resident host at longstanding London pro club, ‘Comedy Upstairs at the Adam & Eve’ and co-hosts 2 podcasts, international chat show Jew Talkin’ To Me? and Neighbours superfan podcast Leaving Erinsborough. Often seen on BBC1 and heard across the BBC Radio network, this is Rachel’s 12th year at the Edinburgh Fringe, which she has experienced as a writer, director, and reviewer as well as a performer.
Pauline Eyre is performing her second full run solo show at this year’s Fringe. She made her Edinburgh debut in 2024 with Body, which was nominated for a Jones The Bootmaker Edinburgh Ish Best Newcomer Award. This year’s show Anyone For Tennis is a memoir of her 20 years working as a professional line judge and a love letter to the sport.
When Pauline first visited the Fringe in 2016, she asked another Funny Woman to mentor her. Cally Beaton was doing her first split show that year and taught Pauline how to put a show together, how to find the right performance space, how to market her show, how to flyer successfully and more. In the spirit of paying it forward, Pauline would like to share her knowledge of how it all works with you, the way Cally did for her.
Juliette Burton joins the mentoring team for the first time with her impressive record of Edinburgh Fringe sold out shows in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2023. She has been performing at the Fringe since 2011, and toured internationally at Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
As a multi-award winning performer who speaks openly about her own mental health and awareness, Juliette’s perspective of the challenges facing performers, writers and creators is invaluable. Along with her knowledge and experience of performing in Edinburgh and other UK festivals including Leicester Comedy Festival and Brighton Fringe, she is a powerhouse of resilience and creativity. We are delighted to have her on board!
Our mentors will be available throughout the Fringe to answer your questions, offer advice and TLC. You can email them here. And, if you would like to volunteer to be part of our wider community of mentors during the festival please get in touch with Rachel, Louise or Pauline and help us spread the love!
Picture credits: Rachel Creeger by Ruth Bloch, Pauline Eyre by Steve Best. Glitter Project graphic by Roxy Jimenez.
