Having made it through the virtual heats, Mary O’Connell was one of the eight finalists to make it to our live 2020 Funny Women Awards final! Mary’s witty set with smart takes on subjects such as nipples and pretty privilege won her third place. We chatted to Mary about her comedy plans and how her material can get pretty wacky if you give her more than five minutes…
Funny Women: How does it feel to place in the Funny Women Awards?
Mary O’Connell: It feels great! It’s a really nice thing to have come out of lockdown.
FW: To say this year has been a little different is an understatement, up until the final the Funny Women Stage Award took place online. What are your thoughts on online gigs?
MO’C: I think that online gigs are good for getting stage time without taking yourself too seriously. I found them awkward at first, they’re still awkward but I’m slightly more used to them now.
FW: How would you describe your comedy?
MO’C: My comedy is kind of cheeky, and I’d say it stands on the line between alternative and mainstream – not my competition stuff though, but I can get pretty wacky in a longer set.
FW: What’s next for Mary O’Connell?
MO’C: I’d like to keep gigging while I still can, I’ve been writing some stuff for TV as well. I just want to keep writing and performing.
FW: Who are your favourite funny women?
MO’C: My favourite funny women are Leslie Jones, Mindy Kaling, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy and Michelle Wolf, there’s loads more…
Keep up with Mary O’Connell on Twitter here!
