This April, local comic and promoter Ali Jay takes over the reins as regional producer of Funny Women Live in Brighton from Kate McGann, who has produced the show for the past two years.
Funny Women Live in Brighton is the longest-standing and most successful edition of the event, which showcases the very best in new female-identifying and non-binary comedy talent.
Speaking of her time with Funny Women, Kate McGann said: “Producing Funny Women Live in Brighton has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Curating diverse line-ups and championing new talent, and watching those comedians step into their power on stage, has been genuinely thrilling. I’m so proud of what we have built together with Komedia.”
Funny Women Origins
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!
Asked why she founded Funny Women, Lynne Parker answered: “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.”
The Future Is Bright
New regional producer Ali Jay has performed at Edinburgh Festival, Brighton Festival, and clubs around the UK. She also hosts stand-up comedy courses for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people who are underrepresented in comedy.
Back in the 90’s, Ali worked with Komedia as the co-producer and host of the UK’s first weekly LGBTQ comedy shows ‘Screamers’ with Kit Green. “It’s fantastic to come full circle and return to Komedia,” Ali told us. “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.”
Click here for dates & tickets to Funny Women Live in Brighton.
