MEET 2025 STAGE AWARD FINALIST: SOPHIE GARRAD

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Funny Women

Sophie Garrad is a stand-up comedian, writer, and content creator celebrated for her high-status humour with her delusional silliness. She first made her mark online with viral sketches that have amassed over 100 million views across Instagram and TikTok, before quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting new voices in British comedy. Sophie is also a So You Think You’re Funny finalist and her debut hour Poor Little Rich Girl sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and earned rave reviews, cementing her reputation as a rising star to watch.

How did you get into stand-up?

I got into stand-up after years of friends telling me I should try it. Honestly, I had no idea how to even write a joke, let alone where to start. After the pandemic, I signed up for a comedy course at Camden Comedy School, and I was hooked from the very first lesson.

What is it like being a finalist in the 2025 Funny Women Awards?

It feels like a dream come true! To perform alongside some of the best stand-ups on the circuit and be part of the Funny Women hall of fame is such an honour. I’ve seen how Funny Women has boosted the careers of so many brilliant comedians before me, so to be given that same opportunity is pretty incredible.

Why is Funny Women important to you?

Any platform that champions women and non-binary comedians is something I’ll always want to be part of. Being a woman in comedy definitely comes with its challenges, so to know there are organisations out there that actively support us, nurture talent, and give under-represented voices the spotlight, it means a lot. Funny Women isn’t just a competition, it’s a community that builds confidence, visibility, and connections.

Tell us about your comedy style.

When I first started, I thought I had to make fun of myself and my appearance, and it never quite felt right. Once I realised I could just go on stage, tell stories, and lean into being a more outrageous version of my true self, everything clicked. My style now is a mix of high-status, posh persona and delusional silliness.

What’s next for you?

I’m taking my debut stand-up hour Poor Little Rich Girl on tour, which is hugely exciting. I’m also in early chats with a couple of production companies about potentially developing it into a TV series (fingers crossed!). Beyond that, I’m just excited to keep creating, performing, and seeing what’s out there.

Who are your favourite Funny Women?

There are so many, but a few of my absolute favourites are Leah Davis, Rachel Baker, Sharon Wanjohi, Lara Ricote, Thanyia Moore, and Katherine Ryan.

You can follow Sophie in all the usual places @sophiegarrard

10 finalists will compete in-person at the Stage Award final, on Thursday 25th September at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London. TICKETS HERE.

At this Final, we will also present the Awards for Writing, Shorts, Content creator and our Industry prize.

You can also see the:
Longlist for the Comedy Writing Award HERE.
Longlist for the Comedy Shorts Award HERE
Vote for the Content Creator Award HERE

Check these out

From the Funny Women Team

MEET 2025 STAGE AWARD FINALIST: SHALAKA KURUP

Shalaka Kurup is an Indian stand up comedian and writer. Her observational humour has been described as deadpan joy. A doctor by education and a comedian by choice Shalaka has shot onto the UK circuit receiving numerous awards, winning West End New Act of the Year, runner up Brighton Komedia New Act of the year and a finalist Channel 4 Sean Lock Award. Performances include opening for Eshaan Akbar, Grace Campbell, Ria Lina, and was selected for Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breakers and Pleasance Reserve in 2023. She has starred on Comedy Central Live Season 3, Jokes Only A…Can Tell (Channel 4 Digital) Asian Network Comedy (BBC) Arts Hour Comedy Special (BBC) and Sunday Morning Live (BBC1).

Read More »

MEET 2025 STAGE AWARD FINALIST: RACHEL GALVO

By complete chance! I grew up watching Comedy Central with my dad but only ever saw male comedians so never considered it as a career opportunity. When I got to acting school in London I was presented with the opportunity to write my own show- with the option to make it stand-up. That same year I had started to build a small online following on Tik Tok. When I posted a clip of her stand-up set followers asked for a live show and I have been a full time comedian ever since!

Read More »
Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here