The Glitter Challenge: Where Confidence Takes Centre Stage

The Glitter Challenge is one of Funny Women’s flagship development programmes, designed to support professional working women to build confidence, develop their voice and perform stand-up comedy to an industry-ready standard.

As lead mentor and project manager, I oversee the design and delivery of the programme, working closely with a team of experienced stand-up comedians who bring specialist expertise in comedy writing, performance and stagecraft. Together, we create a supportive, professional environment where participants are challenged, encouraged and championed every step of the way.

The Glitter Challenge supports women from their first session through to live performance. Participants take part in a structured programme that includes workshops, one-to-one mentoring, rehearsal and structured feedback, all leading to performances on major platforms such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and The Comedy Store London.

Alongside developing strong material and stage presence, participants gain insight into the realities of working professionally in comedy – from resilience and collaboration to preparation and accountability.

At the heart of the programme is confidence. Many women join The Glitter Challenge experiencing self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Through mentoring and coaching, they develop clarity, presence and belief in their own voice – skills that extend far beyond the stage and into everyday life, work and leadership.

The Glitter Challenge also plays a vital role in supporting Funny Women’s wider impact. Funds raised through the programme help to run The Glitter Project, our national outreach initiative that increases access to confidence-building and performance training for women who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

The Glitter Challenge is about more than comedy. It’s about visibility, self-belief and creating opportunities for women to be heard – on stage, at work and in the world. That ethos sits at the core of Funny Women and continues to drive why this programme matters.

If you would like to talk to me about taking part in the 2026 Glitter Challenge take a look at the details here and email info@funnywomen.com. I look forward to meeting you!