Sophie Duker: Venus

Picture of Mariana Feijó

Mariana Feijó

All of Sophie Duker exudes confidence, so the 2015 Funny Women Awards finalist’s show was the perfect choice to start my Edinburgh Fringe journey this year. I’m hoping it’s contagious, so I can use it sparingly through the week.

From wanting to hide what made white people uncomfortable to fully assuming her position as a triple threat, Sophie shows us she no longer worries about the discomfort of the white man. Audience interaction is done expertly, and the reactions of the three white men on the front row of the show I attended, were rich fodder to Duker’s show, and she made sure she’d use it, on the spot, without skipping a beat.

Venus is an exploration of what it means to be a black woman, through the experiences of a specific black woman. Sophie examines the role models she had in the media, from the male father figures to the black women she could find, and there are some surprising choices for heroes.

A combination of stand up filled with well-written jokes and well-timed video projections, this show has everything you could ask for… even dancing! Yes, there was twerking, and surprisingly not the last time of the day.

★★★★

Sophie Duker: Venus is at the Pleasance Courtyard at 19:00 until 25th August (except 14th August). For tickets and more information click here!

Funny Women are at the Edinburgh Fringe with five shows, from 19th – 23rd August, a Funny Women Awards 2019 semi-final, a Stand Up to Stand Out workshop and a Meet Up. Come find us!

There’s still time to nominate a women-led show for the 2019 Funny Women Awards’ Best Show Category! The show with the most nominations will be picked! Nominate a show you have seen or your own show by 31st August here! 

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Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here