Our Edinburgh Fringe got off to a glittering start with the launch of The Glitter Project generously hosted by Gleneagles Townhouse on Sunday 4th August, just four days into the festival. As promised, we welcomed 50 performers, industry representatives and supporters of our community to the festival with the first of our Meet the Mentors events, thanks to the BBC Comedy Grant and some additional support from Russells.
The event, hosted by Funny Women founder, Lynne Parker (pictured above with 2023 Funny Women Stage Award winner Kate Cheka who has her first run at the Fringe this year), was a fantastic celebration of female talent and those of us who support it.
Visiting the world’s largest arts festival can be overwhelming if you’re new to comedy so our team of mentors and experts were on hand to chat to attendees at Sunday’s launch about making the most out of the experience.
Don’t worry if you missed this as we have two more Meet the Mentors events taking place on:
Monday 12th August, Bar 50 Garden Room, 11.15am-12.15pm. Booking details here.
Wednesday 21st August, Counting House Ballroom, 10.30-11.30am, Booking details here.
As many of you know, our inspiration for The Glitter Project is Jo Fletcher-Cross, one of our non-executive directors and comedian, who was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in summer 2022 on the eve of her Edinburgh debut. We are creating an enduring legacy with Jo to encourage those of us who are already established in the comedy industry, as promoters, producers, artists, writers, creators and broadcasters to pay it forward and spread a bit of glitter.
Our founder Lynne Parker interviewed Jo before coming up to Edinburgh and we shared this short film with guests at the launch.
Our three lead mentors are available throughout the Fringe to answer your questions, offer advice and TLC if needed. Rachel Creeger and Pauline Eyre (pictured in header) and Louise Leigh (pictured below with industry PR expert, Angela Pearson) all have their own shows and a wealth of experience which you can read about here.
Please send us an email if you want to speak to one of them during the festival or if you would like to volunteer to be part of our wider community of mentors. All help and support very welcome.
In addition to the mentoring initiative, we are staging two ‘open mic’ comedy events, Funny Women Live in Edinburgh, specifically for acts who don’t have their own shows to give them the experience of performing at the Fringe. Please come along and support them at 8.00pm on Wednesdays 14th and 21st August at 8.00pm, in the Free Sisters Live Room. Booking link for both shows here.
With grateful thanks to Alex Petty of the Free Fringe Festival for providing the venues for our ongoing programme of Glitter events.
Please note that our resources are limited but our mentors are very happy to help, advise and provide information about the support and services available to performers at the Fringe. Please email fwtheglitterproject@gmail.com and allow 24 hours for a response. You can also email info@funnywomen.com.
Thanks to Roxy JC, Funny Women’s Amsterdam producer, (pictured above with Kirstin Miller and Lynne Parker) for the fantastic photos!
