From Sharon Wanjohi demanding babies from audience members to open mic burlesque tales from our fabulous host Amy Gledhill, the night shone with funny women at the core of the whole event.
Last week I attended the The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2025 where standout comedians from across the UK performed at St George’s Hall in this year’s City of Culture, Bradford, hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian Amy Gledhill, who also hosted the Funny Women Awards this year.
The Sean Lock Comedy Award was established in memory of the much-loved comedian and showcases performers who exemplify Sean’s distinctive comedic spirit and Channel 4’s commitment to boundary-pushing comedy. Last year it was won by the brilliant Harriet Dyer.
Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, kicked things off with a gorgeous welcome followed by a montage tribute to the late great Sean Lock and a video message from one of Sean’s dear friends, Bill Bailey.
While I offer my huge congratulations to Tom Towelling for winning this year’s award with his weird and wonderful musicianship, observations that parallel the mathematic and male pattern baldness (perhaps you had to be there) not to mention his wonderful, ‘classic Brummy’ delivery, Emer Maguire was my personal winner.
Emer captivated us as soon as they grabbed the mic with their Irish charm and hilarious delivery. While the acts only had seven minutes to wow the judges, Emer packed their’s in with lightning quick wit, keen observation and 3 original songs.
After speaking with Emer after the show they said “it was difficult to squeeze my material into just seven minutes but it was so much fun”. After recently selling out the 1000 seater of the Grande Opera House in Belfast with their show Notions, I would urge you to go see them on tour next year.
I was thrilled to hear Channel 4 are also commissioning Emer’s new sitcom Socially Awkward which they wrote and star in, about their life as an autistic adult. I also spoke with the fabulous Sydney May, 2025 Funny Women Stage Award semi-finalist and a two-time award-winning comedian, who said, “even though it was an invited audience and not public, they were so giving. Just a really lovely crowd.”
All in all, it was a wonderful evening full of joy, laughter and outstanding stand-up comedy.
Pictured with host Amy Gledhill are 2025 finalists Samira Banks, Emer Maguire, Paul Hilleard, Tom Towelling (winner), Limahl Germain, Dane Buckley, Thor Stenhaug, Sharon Wanjohi, Sydney May and Roger O’Sullivan.
