Enhanced self confidence and the knowledge
that you can overcome some of life’s trickier situations with an appropriate injection of
humour is a powerful skill. Recognising that
women often find it harder to plumb their comedy depths particularly when called upon to speak in public, Funny Women, the leading promoter of live female comedy, is launching a series of workshops to bring out the funny in the fairer sex, the first of which will run daily during the Edinburgh Fringe.

Traditionally, wedding speeches and after dinner entertainment has been a male arena. But now the bride often chucks in her ten pence worth and women are generally beginning to find a voice in what is still a predominantly Master of Ceremonies world. A few tricks of the comedy trade are handy to have up your sleeve and tapping your own personal funny bone can be extremely empowering.

Funny Women regularly attracts nearly 200 women each year to enter its unique competition, the Funny Women Awards. The organisation recognises that this remains a leap of faith for many of the women who enter, so it has provided a nurturing environment for the last five years which has played a major part in encouraging more women to have a go at stand up comedy. The workshop programme is a natural extension of this and launches with 10 dates in Edinburgh from 6–10 and 13–17 August inclusive. More dates around the UK this autumn will be announced.

For business Funny Women has taken what it’s learned through developing and producing live comedy and can create a bespoke corporate event or an interactive workshop for you and your colleagues – either in your own business environment or in a venue of your choice.

For personal development – whether you want to become a professional comic or just want to enhance your self confidence – enrolling in one of Funny Women’s comedy workshops during the Fest might be just the start of funnier things to come.

In all cases for both business and personal training, they use top female trainers who are also stand-up comics to train (see below).

To enroll for a Funny Women Workshop at the Edinburgh Fringe please call 0131 226 0000 or visit www.edfringe.com. From 6–10 and 13–17 August inclusive, 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. Laughing Horse @ EGO, 14 Picardy Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JT. £45 per head.

Funny Women is offering preferential discounts for group bookings of 10 or more people enrolling at the same time. Please book direct with Funny Women on 020 8744 1750 or 07960 218 298 or email info@funnywomen.com putting ‘WORKSHOP GROUP BOOKING’ in the subject line.

OUR WORKSHOP TRAINERS

Viv Gee

”You can’t be taught how to be funny but you can be taught how to be funnier.”

Viv Gee has been teaching Stand–Up Comedy at the University of Strathclyde since 1997. Previous alumni include Des Clarke, Des McLean, Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolf the Third and Scottish Comedian of the Year Mark Nelson.

“If you think you’ve got the wit to be a stand–up and haven’t got the bottle to try it or if you’re a new comedian who’s looking for some tips then this could be the springboard you’re looking for.”

Sarah Millican

“There’s a difference between being funny in front of your friends and making an audience laugh. My workshop aims to point you in the right direction. From generating material, writing jokes and self editing to mic technique, faking confidence and dealing with hecklers.

“You’ll leave with the basics under your belt. Including the answers to the following questions: What’s funny? How do I get gigs? What do I do with my hands?”

Sarah started performing comedy in 2004 and was runner up in the Funny Women Awards 2005. She went on to be named Best Breakthrough Act at the North West Comedy Awards 2006.

“Whether you’ve done a few gigs and want to progress or you’ve watched comics on telly and thought “I can do that”, come along and make the most of your funny. It’ll be a laugh and will help you develop skills that will inform your life both on and offstage. Think how funny you’ll be in the pub after this!”

Janice Connolly

Janice is a highly experienced performer writer, director and teacher. As her comedy character Mrs. Barbara Nice, she is a seasoned headline act as well as being a very experienced compere. Barbara Nice has performed in number one venues up and down the country and has supported and toured with the likes of Johnny Vegas, Peter Kay and Paddy McGuiness. Solo shows include The Soho Theatre London, The Lowry Manchester and The Komedia Brighton .

As an actress Janice stars in Channel Four’s “Phoenix Nights” as barmaid “Holy Mary” and other telly credits include playing Peter Kay’s mum in Coronation Street.

She is the artistic director of award winning Birmingham Based “Women and Theatre” and has run several successful stand up comedy courses at Midlands Arts Centre and for Black Country Touring .

“My sessions will be a friendly non threatening sharing of basic solid stand up tips for improving your chances of being funny in front of an audience – plus a chance to create your own comedy character from scratch.”