How did you get into stand-up?
I was a regular old punter at a local comedy club called The Grinning Idiot ran by John Smith, back in 2008. I had (and still have) got a really loud laugh so he used to give me free tickets to up the laughter-meter in the room. I just loved it! And one day John let me get on stage to tell a joke (he literally held my hand) I haven’t looked back.
What is it like being a finalist in the 2025 Funny Women Awards?
Being a finalist in the 2025 funny women awards is pretty exciting! I’m enjoying rubbing shoulders with so many brilliant women- it’s refreshing, elevating and validating!
Why is Funny Women important to you?
To have a platform to help balance out the equity across the genders in a male dominated industry is beautiful, I can feel that glass ceiling lifting (excited to smash it)
Tell us about your comedy style.
Whether I am performing as myself or as Zoe the core of my performance is connection, empathy and love with the audience. In each room I view the audience as my pals that I’m about to have a laugh with- this helps break down the “me verse you” battle we often have as performers. I endeavour to let go of my ego with regards to my appearance or the social demands of the male gaze what’s left over is really honest- a pure desire to make everyone feel elated with laughter to the point of the whole room being unattractive.
What’s next for you?
I have a show on Sunday 30th November at The Stand Newcastle called Scathed, it’s all about a women’s journey through life ‘scathed’ by the patriarchy, it’s about womanhood, politics, Greek mythology and witchcraft. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever written and I’m really proud and vulnerable to share it.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Josie Long is one of my favourite female acts, she has a knack of presenting the world in a raw and honest way but weaves hope and love and beauty in her work. You feel a little taller and a lot warmer in the feels leaving one of her shows- particularly her recent piece “Now is the time for Monsters” I felt everything watching that show.
What do you love about stand up?
I love the aliveness of it, the “one off-ness” of a live comedy show is both tragic and delicious- the exclusivity of that shared moment between you and a room full of strangers never to be fully replicated- that’s real art!
You can follow Nicola in all the usual places – @Nicola_mantalios_comedy
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
