If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh this August to check out the Fringe, Funny Women is here for you. We have a team of mentors, some friendly events and advice if you need it.
If you’re new to comedy, the world’s largest arts festival can be overwhelming. Which shows should I see? Are there open mics I can perform at? Where can I hang out with other comics, get a cheap meal, cry in private??!!
If you are a funny woman or non-binary person heading to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, Funny Women’s Glitter Project is here to support you.
We have spent 24 years supporting and developing new comedy talent at grassroots with our ground-breaking Funny Women Awards, workshops, courses and open mic events. Our priority has always been to build confidence in female performers, writers and creators to give them the opportunity to pursue comedy careers.
Inspired by Jo Fletcher-Cross, who was one of Funny Women’s non-executive directors and a comedian diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022 on the eve of her first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Glitter Project was developed as an enduring legacy. Jo, who died in April 2026, said:
“All I have ever wanted to do is find joy, laughter and a bit of sparkle along the way in life and I’m so thrilled that The Glitter Project is helping fabulous funny women with the tools, bravery and knowledge to keep the laughter going for many years to come.”
Lynne Parker, founder of Funny Women says: “After we launched The Glitter Project at the Fringe in 2024 we have now established an industry-wide initiative supporting those who don’t have the resources, accessibility, or financial means to pursue a comedy career.
We have created ‘A Safe Place’ and set up six hubs with regional producers in London, Medway, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.
“We’ve seen so many talented and amazing performers, writers and creators from our Awards and wider community events go on to have huge commercial success. Grassroots development in safe female identifying environments is vital to ensure gender parity in our industry.”
Pre-Fringe Meet the Mentors online event – tbc.
Three in-person Mentoring Meet Up events during the Fringe in Edinburgh:
Monday 10th August – Kick Ass Cowgate 4.30pm-5.30pm. Booking details here.
Tuesday 18th August – Bar 50, 6pm-7pm. Booking details here.
Monday 24th August – Kick Ass Cowgate 4.30pm-5.30pm. Booking details here.
Three Showcase comedy events during the Fringe in Edinburgh:
Wednesday 12th August – The Counting House, 8.30-9.30pm. Booking details here.
Wednesday 19th August – The Counting House, 8.30-9.30pm. Booking details here.
Wednesday 26th August – The Counting House, 8.30-9.30pm. Booking details here.
These will be run by our mentors, with priority given to acts who don’t have shows to promote at the Fringe. Booking for our Glitter Project Showcase at the Fringe opens soon! Pop back here on 22nd July 2026, to fill out the online form and claim your spot.
Huge thanks to Alex Petty of the Free Fringe Festival for finding us venues to host our events.
OUR LEAD MENTORS
Rachel Creeger has come up through the Funny Women ranks. Having been working in the comedy industry for years in other capacities, she had her first proper stand-up gig at a Funny Women open mic event ten years ago and has gone from strength to strength with the organisation’s support. Now one of our non-executive board members, Rachel makes a point of giving opportunities to other female and non-binary voices in the way she was supported.
Rachel is now a multi-award winning stand up comedian, writer and director. She has taken four critically acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, toured the UK and internationally, performing at festivals, theatres and art venues. Rachel is the resident host at London pro clubs, Comedy Upstairs at the Adam & Eve, JW3 Comedy Club and New Balls Comedy Club (at a tennis club!) and co-hosts 2 podcasts, international chat show Jew Talkin’ To Me? and Neighbours superfan podcast Leaving Erinsborough. Often seen on BBC1 and heard across the BBC Radio network, this is Rachel’s 14th year at the Edinburgh Fringe, which she has experienced as a writer, director, and reviewer as well as a performer.
Pauline Eyre is a professional stand-up comedian whose 2024 debut show ‘Body’ was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Ish Awards. Her second show ‘Anyone For Tennis’ was nominated for Best Show and is currently touring the UK with over 120 dates in 2026-2027.
When Pauline first visited the Fringe in 2016, she asked another Funny Woman to mentor her. Cally Beaton was doing her first split show that year and taught Pauline how to put a show together, how to find the right performance space, how to market her show, how to flyer successfully and more. In the spirit of paying it forward, Pauline would like to share her knowledge of how it all works with you, the way Cally did for her.
Louise Leigh is a Funny Women Awards semi-finalist and Glitter Challenge mentor. A wordsmith living in an idiot’s body, her comedy is warm, sharp and frequently physical; the kind that makes audiences laugh at things they recognise about themselves and then feel seen in a way they didn’t entirely sign up for. She’s been performing stand-up for over a decade in some of the UK’s best comedy clubs.
Our mentors will be available throughout the Fringe to answer your questions, offer advice and TLC. You can email them here. And, if you’re an experienced comedian with many Fringes under your belt and would like to volunteer to be part of our wider community of mentors during the festival please get in touch with Rachel, Louise or Pauline and help us spread the love!
