Meet 2021 Stage Award Finalist Beau Holland

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Funny Women

Home-schooled Irish comedian Beau Holland had plenty of unique material to bring to the grand final! Beau’s story-telling skills, romanticizing alcoholism as an 11-year-old secured her a place as one of our finalists and she didn’t disappoint! We caught up with Beau to talk comedy, finding material, and panic buying in M&S…

Funny Women: How did it feel to perform at the Funny Women Awards final?

Beau Holland: I’m not going to lie, I was knocking back the Rescue Remedy to calm me down and stress eating these things called Grenade Carb Killa bars I panic grabbed from M&S on the way to the theatre to pump me up, so between both things, I was confused as to what state I was in. Which now I realise, is very similar to how I am every day. But once I got out onto the stage the positive energy from the audience in the theatre hit me right in the belly and it was a blurry five minutes that I’m pretty sure was a lot of fun.

FW: How did you get started in comedy?

BH: Before the Funny Women Awards I had only performed stand-up once, at an open mic night, I’m not counting the second time I performed. It was to a room of stand-ups and one audience member by the name of Kingdom. So, it’s safe to say I am just starting out. I have been an actor since I was young though and I’ve always been drawn to comedic characters. When you get a wave of laughter hitting you on stage, it’s the best feeling in the world

FW: What inspires your comedy material?

BH: Usually when something awkward or horrible happens in my life I find a way of turning it into a funny story so I can put it into a different box in my head.

FW: What would you say to anyone considering entering the Awards next year?

BH: Do it, you have nothing to lose and only a great experience to gain.

FW: And lastly, who are your favourite funny women?

BH: It’s very hard to choose, growing up my icons were Lena Lemont (Jean Hagen) in Singing in the Rain, Mrs. Doyle (Pauline McGlynn) in Father Ted, Deloris (Whoopie Goldberg) in Sister Act. There are nine new funny women in my life, the other finalists of the Funny Women Awards. The dressing room was a show in itself.

Photo credit: S Ullathorne

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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