Glitter Challenger (R)ages Gracefully at Cork Fringe

2 minute read
Picture of Val Troy

Val Troy

When I qualified as an accountant back in the day, I never imagined I’d swap the spreadsheets for spotlights in my early 50s. It’s quite a pivot from accounting to comedy, but it makes sense to me. Debits and credits are great, but they’re no craic.

With my comedy co-writing collaborator, Orla Diamantino, we’ve been the Irish producers for Funny Women for several years now, co-hosting our most recent Funny Women show in Dublin last February. And now I find myself back in the spotlight again, this time with my own show (R)age Gracefully as part of the Cork Fringe Festival in May. How did that happen? Let me explain…

Last year, I had the absolute privilege of taking part in Funny Women’s Glitter Challenge, a comedy mentoring project that culminated in two incredible performances with my fabulous fellow challengers – live shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and at the iconic Comedy Store, London. Without that challenge, I doubt I’d have the courage to write and perform my own show.

“(R)age Gracefully is a hilariously honest stand-up comedy and storytelling show. From the chaos of consumerism, parenting predicaments and midlife plot twists, Val unpacks the absurdity of trying to keep it all together. With a wit sharp enough to cut through a lifetime of polite restraint, Val explores what happens when a woman who’s been everyone else’s problem-solver runs out of patience. Honest, unfiltered, and fiercely funny, Val invites audiences to laugh, relate, and release a little of their own well-earned rage. It’s midlife—but louder, shrewder, and a whole lot funnier.”

The Cork Fringe Festival takes place in Cork City from 8th – 10th May 2026.

Tickets for (R)age Gracefully are available here.

Picture of Val Troy
Val Troy
Val Troy is a Dublin-based comedy writer and she is currently developing her debut women’s commercial fiction novel. Val collaborates with fellow comedy writer Orla Doherty under the name ChatterBoxx. Together, they have co-written comedy/drama screenplays, the first of which was longlisted in Female Pilot Club’s screenwriting competition. ChatterBoxx now runs and hosts Funny Women Live in Dublin and co-hosting live comedy events and workshops.
More by this contributor

You might also enjoy

From the Funny Women Magazine

Check these out

From the Funny Women Team
Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here