Q&A: Alex Franklin, Gurl Code

Picture of Funny Women

Funny Women

In 2024, Alex Franklin feels the most alive she’s ever felt. Now she wants to make you feel alive, or die trying. An absurdist, musical, chaotic, joyful show about the colours of the world becoming slowly brighter. Also being trans.

How did you get into comedy?
Okay so weird start but it was probably because I used to go to this Christian camp every summer as a teenager, and they had a sort of ‘end of camp show’ that generally people were encouraged to take part and make comedy sketches. I think I got really annoyed by the quality of material our year group was putting out, so I just ended up taking matters into my own hands, then one thing led to another and here I am.

Tell us about your comedy style?

Kind of everything?? I bounce around WAY too much between musical segments, character stuff, stand-up, visual bits, dance, and way too many drawings and diagrams. Critics would argue I spread myself too thin. I think I would agree.

What’s your show about and where can we see it?

It’s called Alex Franklin: Gurl Code, and it’s a show about trans joy, and coming out to my Dad (eek)!
It’s on as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe, and for the whole run at Edinburgh Fringe!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I spent way too much time online as a child and I think it irreversibly altered my brain, so probably just the never ending stream of reality-detached YouTube content that caused that damage (it is now my crutch).

What do you think makes great comedy?

Trying to think of the strangest thing possible, and working backwards to make it actually palatable. And adding jokes I guess if you HAVE to.

Any advice for those starting out?
Try and push yourself, because if you always settle for doing ‘okay’ it’ll take a lot longer to improve. Unless you’re not that fussed about getting better at comedy, which is probably fair and arguably the most rational thing to do.

What else have you been working on?

Not related to anything in comedy but I’ve started running these big games of Survivor that are AMAZING and SUPER INTENSE and after the last one someone described it as ‘one of the best days of their life’ – I’m not sure how useful it is to be spending as much time in running these as I am, but I’ve come to accept it as a part of my life.

Who are your favourite Funny Women?

Jen Ives, Dee Allum, Holly Spillar, Rosalie Minnitt, Elaine Fellows, Kiran Saggu, Selena Mersey, Nikola McMurtrie, Su Mi, Maria Telnikoff, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, Fellany LeGeyser, Mary O’Connell, Lil Wenker, Rachel Baker, Rebecca Harrison, Aisha Amanduri, Yuriko Kotani, Abbie Edwards, Sharon Wanjohi, Marty Gleeson, Alex Beighton, Kathy Maniura, Ruby Carr, Lorna Rose Treen, plus many more. Sorry if I’ve forgotten you but I’m late to catch my bus and must stop the list here!

How does it feel to be doing this show?
Honestly heartwarming – I like to think it makes trans and non-binary people feel a little more represented and seen, and that’s what probably makes me most happy about doing it!

What do you love about comedy?
That I’ve finally been able to monetise that fact that I’m slightly unhinged.

Book tickets for Alex Franklin: Gurl Code (work in progress), at Wandsworth Arts Fringe, 3.00pm Sunday 23rd June here. and catch the show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Cowgate 8.25pm, details here.

Check these out

From the Funny Women Team
Director, Anna Marshall, The Intrusion

Q&A: Anna Marshall, The Intrusion

The Intrusion, a new, original production by Bric à Brac Theatre and Told by an Idiot, is heading out on a UK tour this March. Director, Anna Marshall talks about the show, what makes the production so unique and what inspired her to direct it.

Read More »
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