We’re looking for 10 brave and talented comedy virgins to perform five minutes of stand-up comedy at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, in August 2026.
Co-written by Nina Conti and Shenoah Allen, the script was simultaneously punchy, funny, tragic, and bizarre. The chemistry between Conti and Allen as comedians, creatives, and co-leads was electric.
We are thrilled that Top Funny Woman Lynne Parker received a silver Lifetime Achievement award from the Best Business Women Awards 2025. The awards were established to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across all industries, celebrating women who are not only building successful businesses but also breaking down barriers, creating impact, and inspiring others to follow.
The 2025 Funny Women Awards Grand Final, sponsored by BBC Studios’
Funny Parts, lit up the Bloomsbury Theatre with bold voices, fresh perspectives, and
knockout comedy.
Kay Nicholson tells us what she loves about stand up – “It’s all you. It’s the highest risk & the highest reward. You can’t hide behind anything, so when they laugh it’s all for you, but that means if they don’t laugh, again, it’s all on you. It’s a constant knife edge & I love it! Also, providing people with a laugh when the world is the way it is something I am very passionate about. Everyone needs the word to be a bit brighter right now.”
By complete chance! I grew up watching Comedy Central with my dad but only ever saw male comedians so never considered it as a career opportunity. When I got to acting school in London I was presented with the opportunity to write my own show- with the option to make it stand-up. That same year I had started to build a small online following on Tik Tok. When I posted a clip of her stand-up set followers asked for a live show and I have been a full time comedian ever since!
The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.
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
