The British Comedy Guide is hosting the fifth Big Comedy Conference in a new, expanded two-day format on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2025 bringing upcoming comedy creatives up-close and personal with leading industry professionals.
Over the weekend, community arts venue SCRUM Studios in Hammersmith will play host to producers and commissioners, comics and directors, writers and executives. A full programme of socialising and networking opportunities, panel discussion and keynote talks will be complemented by interactive workshops for the first time.
The line-up includes work on development of both characters and scripts; an update on current commissioning and decision-making; an exclusive, in-depth interview with Ben Elton about writing and creating comedy for television; and a discussion about career building and development for new creatives.
Delegates are invited to find out what commissioners want, how to progress their projects, and pick up new collaborators and contacts. The conference is a unique opportunity for established writers, producers, directors, executives to meet the next generation of comedy creatives.
The Funny Women team will be on hand to offer advice and details about our Awards, this year sponsored by BBC Studios Funny Parts, The Glitter Project, workshops and courses.
HERE’S THE LOWDOWN!
Industry Update
Award winning journalist, actress and writer Claudia Sermbezis hosts a discussion about current comedy commissioning. She will be joined by ITV’s Head of Scripted Comedy, Nana Hughes; BBC Comedy Commissioning’s Head of Development, Roya Eslami; BBC Studios Audio’s Creative Director of Comedy and Entertainment, Richard Morris; the Senior Commissioning Editor for Comedy at Channel 4, Andy Brereton; and the co-MD of top independent production company Various Artists Ltd, Phil Clarke.
Career Building
This panel focuses on getting that initial foot in the door, building on open door radio success, using contacts and building confidence. It will be hosted by comedy writer, producer and Falmouth University MA course leader, Simon Nicholls. He will be joined for the discussion by Chris Quilietti (BBC Radio producer), Ruth Huskisson (BBC contract writer), David Ian (stand-up, writer & live promoter), Hayley Mckenzie (Script Angel) and Céin McGillicuddy (writer/director).
Headline Session: Ben Elton
Ben Elton is a bona fide comedy legend. Writer, novelist, stand-up and playwright, his credits need no explanation: Blackadder, Upstart Crow, Saturday Live, The Young Ones. He’ll be joining us from his home in Australia for an exclusive discussion about creating comedy, having recently published his autobiography, What Have I Done?.
Script Development Workshop
Sitcom writer, commentator, playwright and podcaster, James Cary hosts this interactive session about writing strong narrative comedy scripts. Come prepared to get involved – notebooks and ideas at the ready!
Creating Iconic Characters Workshop
What makes a comedy character iconic? How do you write an unforgettable introduction? When is a flaw a feature? How do you write characters based on your enemies without getting sued? Why are names so important, what does your hero smell like, and why should you sometimes start with the Halloween costume? Along with practical writing exercises to take away, and a wealth of curated advice from the industry, Writer, podcaster and tutor Sarah Morgan attempts to answer these questions and more.
Diversifying Comedy
Diversity has become a buzzword across all industries, and none more so than the arts. But what does it really mean in comedy? Stand-up and neurodivergent author Shaparak Khorsandi hosts, with Gobby Girl Gina Lyons, neurodiversity access campaigner Lorelei Mathias, Tiger Aspect comedy producer and marginalised voices commentator Malak El-Gonemy, and working class champion, writer and producer Ian Jarvis.
Mistakes Comedy Writers Make (and how not to make them) Workshop
Run by writer, ghostwriter and script editor Amanda Graham, this workshop is for new and seasoned writers alike, it’s all about the craft: the seven biggest mistakes in comedy scripts and how YOU can avoid them.
Networking & Entertainment
An exciting evening networking and socialising event for Saturday’s delegates to enjoy, with complimentary welcome (back) drink and some exclusive entertainment.
For full details visit www.comedy.co.uk – to get £50 off any available ticket for the conference please use discount code ‘funnywomen’ when you book here.
