REVIEW: HAJAR, LIKE BADGER, HAJAR J WOODLAND
27/08/2026
“She’s a born entertainer, whether singing about the 90s or dissecting her own name, bursting with musicality and enthusiasm.” – Polly Allen
Get notified when registration opens
“She’s a born entertainer, whether singing about the 90s or dissecting her own name, bursting with musicality and enthusiasm.” – Polly Allen
“It’s unsurprising that she’s just been long-listed for Best Newcomer at The (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2026; I’m confident we’re getting a glimpse of someone who’ll become a household name.” – Polly Allen
“Managing to look achingly cool in a jumpsuit as she grows a tiny human … she easily wins over the audience with vivid tales of global hook-ups, friendships, politics, and vitally honest comedy industry revelations.” – Polly Allen
In a world where births and marriages are monetised to the nth degree (from baby showers to hen parties that cost a month’s salary), it’s surprising that we haven’t monetised death a bit more. In this character comedy piece, Niamh Denyer introduces us to Áine Reilly: a woman so keen to turn a profit from life’s big events that she’s now giving the audience a course on how to be a funeral celebrant.
If you remember UK pop culture in the 90s and 00s, chances are, you remember Gail Porter, and the famous FHM stunt on the Houses of Parliament. The nation couldn’t look away when a nude photo of Porter was projected onto the iconic building, giving FHM the kind of publicity that other magazines could only dream of.
A one-woman character comedy about vaginismus could have gone one of two ways: painful, like the attempts at sex and the horrors of the speculum used by doctors; or uplifting, like finding a support group of fellow sufferers.
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