Female comedy hunt opens again

The second annual quest for the best female comedy talent has been launched.

Almost 100 comics entered last year's Funny Women comedy awards, won by Sarah Davies as Jade The Folk Singer (pictured), and organisers hope for even more this year.

The event, sponsored by Babycham, will officially be launched at a stand-up benefit show in London tonight to coincide with International Women's Day. Acts appearing include Gina Yashere, Lucy Porter and Shazia Mirza.

Eight showcases will run across the UK in May and June across the UK, with the final at the Comedy Store in London on Monday July 12.

The winner will take home £2,000 ­ with £500 going to each of two runners-up.

Entrants must be over 18 and have been performing original material for less than three years or less. To enter, visit the official website.

The heats will be held as follows:

Tuesday May 11: London Ginglik
Wednesday May 12: Bristol Jesters.
Tuesday May 25: London Ginglik
Thursday May 27: Liverpool. Venue not yet confirmed
Thursday June 10: Glasgow The Vault
Monday June 14: Manchester XS Malarkey
Tuesday June 15: Birmingham Cheeky Monkey
Tuesday June 22: London Ginglik
Monday July 12: Final. London Comedy Store

Published: 8 Mar 2004