In 2025 Funny Women proudly launched The Glitter Challenge, and this year we’re mentoring nine amazing women who have taken on a unique Comedy Challenge to raise vital funds for The Glitter Project. Each challenger is being mentored by an experienced comedian, helping them write and perfect their own unique five minute set. The challenge culminates with a night of stand up, our challengers appearing live on stage at the world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
The funds we raise from The Glitter Challenge will go towards giving women and non-binary people from all walks of life access to incredible creative opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment.
Let’s meet our next challenger… Carla Harris-Marsh.
Carla is a glass artist and teacher, mother, wife and former youth worker whose creative life has long involved shaping fragile materials under pressure; a process she has recently realised is remarkably good preparation for stand-up comedy.
A natural storyteller, Carla brings meaning, humour and perspective to everyday experience, drawing on midlife, identity, family life and the quiet absurdities of being human. Her humour balances warmth, wit and self-awareness, inviting people to recognise themselves, laugh at the chaos, and leave her feeling lighter.
The Glitter Challenge marks Carla’s first steps onto the comedy stage, as she swaps the glass studio for a microphone and explores how lived experience, when shaped into story, can bring connection, laughter and joy.
The Glitter Challenge journey is a masterclass in growth and mentorship. We caught up with Carla and asked about her comedy inspirations and the biggest lessons she is taking away from the experience so far:
Why did you join the Glitter Challenge?
I realised that I had a deep seated fear of being judged and visible. I have always felt that I was too much, so kept myself safe and small and it was keeping me stuck so I decided to face my fears head on. You can’t be any more judged or visible than on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe!
What or who inspires your creativity and comedy writing?
I used to love being silly but life got serious and I had to adult. I love people like Dawn French and Victoria Wood who are warm and funny being themselves. I love observational comedy and comedy that makes you feel like you are just having a chat and a laugh.
Looking back on your Glitter Challenge journey so far, what’s been your biggest takeaway, biggest surprise or learning curve?
That by taking small steps with the support of the Funny Women team, my mentor and my fellow challengers I have learnt to stretch my nervous system in a safe environment and am becoming more confident in my ability to be funny, visible and have the right to be there. I would say that I am more excited for Edinburgh than terrified now. I hope by the time I get there I will just be excited without the fear!!
Feeling the fear and doing it anyway!
Come along to the Groucho Club in London and support our brilliant Glitter Challengers as they preview their Edinburgh Fringe show! Book your tickets now to catch them first.
Heading to Edinburgh this August? Catch Carla and the rest of the Glitter Challengers live at the Fringe on 17th August. Tickets and more information can be found here!
