Competition final this week

Thirteen finalists have been named in the new Funny's Funny female comedian of the year competition.

Taking part in the grand final at the Highlight comedy club in Camden, North London, on Wednesday will be: Annette Fagon, Cariad Lloyd, Dory Dutton, Eleanor Morton, Gemma Beagley, Harriet Kemsley, Helen Keeler, Kate Lucas, Laura Carruthers, Luisa Omeilan, Matha McBrier, Steph Lane and Tiff Mason.

They were selected as the best performers across 21 regional showcases from Edinburgh to Bath and now stand a chance of taking home the coveted inaugural title.

The prize, supported by Chortle, includes £500 cash, £200 of advertising on this site, a photoshoot by top portrait photographer Andy Hollingworth and some paid bookings. In addition, every comedian at the final, which will be hosted by Jo Caulfield, will receive a free DVD of their performance.

The Funny's Funny competition was put together by comedians as a reaction to the Funny Women event introducing a £15 ‘pay-to-play’ fee for any newcomers. Funny Women have also been criticised for the ticket prices at their gigs – it cost £12.50 just to watch just a heat of their competition at Richmond’s Orange Tree Theatre last weekend; which is 50p more expensive than Wednesday’s showcase final of the Funny’s Funny event.

Ashley Frieze, who set up the event with fellow comics Jane Hill and Rob Coleman said: ‘We were not just against pay to play – we wanted to give women recognition and an enjoyable performing experience within the comedy industry.’

Coleman, who coordinated the showcases with comedy clubs, added: ‘Our 21 shows have been well-attended and well-run. We owe enormous thanks to all those who made them possible.’

The judges on Wednesday will include BBC radio comedy producer Lianne Coop; Chortle editor Steve Bennett; Julia Chamberlain, who books the Highlight clubs and produces So You Think You're Funny?; and agents Hannah Chambers, whose clients include Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle and Sarah Millican, Sophie Chapman from comedy giants Avalon, and Corrie McGuire, who represents Derren Brown and Zoe Lyons among others.

Published: 10 Jul 2011