Maple Zuo is a Chinese-Mongolian stand-up comedian. As seen on BBC cultural frontline, She’s been performing since 2017 across Asia and the UK, known for her witty takes on cross-cultural life, identity, and relationships. Maple has won King Gong at The Comedy Store, Blackout at Up the Creek, and was a finalist in the Leicester Square Theatre New Act of the Year 2023. In 2024, she placed 2nd in the LGBT New Comedian of the Year.
How did you get into stand-up?
I started in 2017 while living in China. At first, I just wanted to try something different from karaoke. Then I discovered making strangers laugh is more challenging and addictive.
What is it like being a finalist in the 2025 Funny Women Awards?
It feels surreal. Being surrounded by so many hilarious women makes me feel inspired.
Why is Funny Women important to you?
It’s one of the few spaces that actively lifts up women’s voices in comedy.
Tell us about your comedy style.
It’s a mix of cross-cultural confusion, identity crises, and dating disasters. Basically, if something humiliating happens in my life, I write it down and try to make it work as a joke.
What’s next for you?
Keep gigging, keep writing, and hopefully one day release a special that my parents will be proud of.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Ali Wong, Hannah Gadsby, Jo Brand — and honestly, every woman who’s ever grabbed a mic on stage to speak up for herself. What do you love about stand-up?The instant connection with the audience. Nothing beats the rush when a roomful of strangers laugh at something deeply personal.
You can follow Maple in all the usual places – @Maple_Zuo
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
