More than 200 sign up

The Funny’s Funny Female Comedian of the Year contest has become one of the biggest events for new stand-ups within weeks of its launch.

Organisers had expected around 80 newcomers to apply for the series of showcase gags – but more than 220 signed up.

Ashley Frieze, one of the comics who set up the competition in protest at the introduction of a £15 ‘pay-to-play’ fee by the established Funny Women event, said: ‘We were deluged with entries in the first few days.

‘We have only existed for six weeks and have somehow managed to become one of the largest competitions going.'

Comedian Jane Hill, who has compiled an information pack for all entrants with advice from established comics, said “I've been really encouraged by the number of women - both newcomers and more experienced acts - who want to be a part of our celebration of female comedy.’

Twenty showcase events have been planned, starting in Edinburgh last weekend and running until July 8. There will be a final for the most promising acts at Highlight in Camden, North London, on July 13.

The same venue his hosting a gala tomorrow night (Monday 13) to raise funds for the competition, featuring Isy Suttie, Ava Vidal and Mrs Barbara Nice among others. Chortle is supporting the competition, and editor Steve Bennett said: ‘Pay to play is fundamentally wrong, and I hope those who feel the same way will come along to the gig to show their support – and prove there are other ways of making competitions viable rather than exploiting acts.’ (Click here to buy tickets).

Frieze added: ‘Rather than just complain at what we saw as an injustice in the promotion of female comedy, we have brought people together to celebrate the women that make us laugh.’

The Female Comedian of the Year competition is about two-thirds the size of major events such as So You Think You’re Funny? and the Chortle Student Comedy Award in terms of entrant numbers.

For a full list of showcases across the country, visit funnysfunny.co.uk.

Published: 12 Jun 2011