...and it's free

Entries have opened for the Funny’s Funny female comedian of the year award.

The grassroots movement aims to highlight the best women stand-ups in the country, and was set up after the established Funny Women competition decided to charge would-be comedians to perform.

Around a dozen showcase gigs are to be staged around the country for the new awards, with the best acts then invited to perform at a high-profile final at the Highlight Club in Camden, North London, on July 13.

Compered by Jo Caulfield, the event will give those comedians chosen the chance to perform in front of a distinguished panel of industry judges.

The winner will receive a package that includes £500 cash, a professional portrait session with Andy Hollingworth – who has photographed all the biggest comedians – plus £200 worth of advertising on Chortle. We are also supporting the competition by underwriting all costs and organising the final – which will be filmed, with all contestants receiving a free DVD of their performance.

‘This is more than just another comedy competition,’ said comedian Jane Hill one of the organisers. ‘Our showcases are there to give people an enjoyable performing experience and a chance to meet local comedy figures.’

Everyone taking part will also be given an information pack with advice on how to get into the comedy industry and tone up their stand-up performance. The audience at the events will be charged a low ticket-price, in line with similar events, as part of the ‘fair play’ ethos of the initiative.

Click here to register for one of the showcases, exact details of which will be announced soon.

Published: 10 May 2011