This April, local comic and promoter Ali Jay takes over the reins as regional producer of Funny Women Live in Brighton from Kate McGann.
“Producing Funny Women live at Brighton Komedia over the last 2 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Kate McGann. “Curating diverse line-ups and championing new talent, watching those comedians step into their power on that stage has been genuinely thrilling. I’m so proud of what we have built together with Komedia.”
Funny Women was founded in 2002 by Lynne Parker, who dedicated herself to nurturing a vibrant and collaborative community of women in comedy. Through her leadership, Funny Women has become a platform for like-minded women to connect, share ideas, and develop their comedic talents, both through live comedy shows and courses. In addition to its live events and training opportunities, the organisation is known for hosting the Annual Funny Women Awards. Over the years, these prestigious awards have provided a platform for emerging comedians to become well-known headliners, such as Zoe Lyons, Lorna Rose Treen, and Thanyia Moore, making a significant mark on the comedy scene.
Lynne Parker says: “I created Funny Women because I got angry with a misogynist comedy promoter while working as a publicist for his club. When I asked him why he never booked any female acts, he told me that ‘women aren’t funny’ and ‘there are no funny women’. 24 years later Funny Women is still growing, still glowing and going strong.”
Funny Women’s longest standing and most successful comedy night, Funny Women Live in Brighton, takes place at Komedia one Saturday per month and showcases the very best in new female-identifying & non-binary comedic talent. Featuring headline acts from the Funny Women Awards, the professional comedy circuit, and nurturing new and upcoming talent.
Back in the 90’s, comedian Ali Jay worked with Komedia as co-producer and host of the UK’s first LGBTQ comedy shows ‘Screamers’ with Kit Green. As the new producer for Funny Women in Brighton, Ali Jay says: “It’s fantastic to come full circle and return to Komedia. Being involved with this amazing organisation that champions Funny Women fills me with joy. I’m thrilled to spend the final Saturday of each month alongside talented female comedians and the wonderful Komedia team.”
For upcoming Funny Women events, visit their website funnywomen.com.
For Funny Women Live in Brighton, visit Komedia’s website here
