After months of fierce competition across 16 heats and four semi-finals spanning the UK, Ireland, and Europe, the Funny Women Awards 2025 Grand Final delivered an unforgettable night of comedy brilliance. Hosted by the infectiously energetic Amy Gledhill, the evening was a joyous celebration of rising stars, sharp writing, and the unstoppable power of women in comedy.
Held in front of a lively crowd at the Bloomsbury Theatre, the Grand Final showcased ten sensational acts vying for the coveted Stage Award. The finalists—Kate Hammer, Kay Nicholson, Madeleine Brettingham, Maple Zuo, Rachel Galvo, Samantha Day, Shalaka Kurup, Sharifa Butterfly, Sophie Garrad, and ‘Zoe’ (Nicola Mantalios)—brought a wide spectrum of styles and voices to the stage. From surreal characters to smart observational stand-up.
The evening wasn’t just about stand-up though. The audience was also treated to screenings of the three finalists for the Comedy Shorts Award, each offering clever, punchy storytelling in miniature form. Though the night belonged largely to live performance, these short films helped highlighted the range of comedic talent being nurtured through the awards.
The headline acts provided a suitable grand finale to the show with performances by musical comedy star Rachel Parris, whose satirical song landed perfectly with the audience, and 2023 Stage Award winner Kate Cheka, who returned to the stage with the confidence and polish of a comic clearly on the rise.
Host Amy Gledhill kept the energy high with her own unique charm, warming up the crowd before introducing each act with enthusiasm and heart. The diversity of perspectives on stage was a testament to the Awards’ commitment to originality and inclusivity. Notable moments included Sharifa Butterfly’s magnetic presence and lyrical delivery, Madeleine Brettingham’s razor-sharp wit, and Rachel Galvo’s energetic storytelling. But it was ‘Zoe’ – the comedic persona of Nicola Mantalios – who stole the show. Her character work, timing, and sheer boldness had the audience in stitches, and when she was crowned Stage Award winner, the room erupted in well-earned applause.
In addition to the Stage Award, winners were also announced for the Comedy Shorts Award, won by Rosalie Minnitt with her short “Essential Items of a Regency Women“. The Writing Award, which was won by Ana Basu with her script Night Bus, the Content Creator Award which was warmly received by Helena Moody, and finally the illustrious Industry Award, which was won by Northern Comedy Icon Jessica Toomey of Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, rounding off a celebration not just of performance but of comedy in all its forms.
Now in its 22nd year and sponsored by BBC Studios’ Funny Parts, the Funny Women Awards continue to be a launchpad for the next wave of comedic stars. With past winners including the likes of Katherine Ryan, Zoe Lyons and Sophie Duker, this year’s finalists are in good company—and if this Grand Final was anything to go by, many of them will be headlining in their own right very soon.
Funny, fearless, and full of future stars—this year’s Funny Women Grand Final more than lived up to its reputation.
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