Funny's Funny contest opens

Funny’s Funny has launched its second Female Comedian of the Year competition.

The organisation was set up last year as a response to the Funny Women contest’s decision to charge would-be comedians £15 to take part – making it the only talent hunt to do so.

Entries have opened today for the Funny’s Funny competition at www.funnysfunny.org.uk. The winner will receive a cash prize - which has not yet been announced – a professional photo session an a series of gigs.

Last year’s Female Comedian of the Year competition attracted 250 entrants of all levels of experience, with Harriet Kemsley crowned the eventual winner.

Plans for 2012 include a full run of Funny’s Funny shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, workshops for participants to develop their skills, and competition showcases across the UK and in Ireland.

The grand final will be held in July in London.

Ashley Frieze, who set the organisation up last year, said: ‘It seems that there is still a need for a fair comedy competition that promotes and develops female comedians, rather than using them as a revenue stream. Funny’s Funny is and always will be free to enter. Nobody should have to pay to go on stage.’

Funny Women is imposing its £15 entry fee again this year, even though it is also sponsored by commercial companies. Its prize is a bursary that includes a development package with Funny Women, £500 of make-up and the ‘opportunity’ to be an ambassador for its cosmetics company sponsor and appear at events and promotions the company organises.

• Foster’s has signed a deal to sponsor this year's So You Think You're Funny? talent hunt, following its backing of the Edinburgh Comedy Award, comedy of Channel 4 and online revival such as The Fast Show.

Published: 23 Apr 2012