Last year Lynne Parker the founder of Funny Women asked me to become the face of an important initiative called The Glitter Project. Together we have created a legacy founded on my love and passion for comedy and to pay forward the support I have received from the comedy community over the last two very difficult years.
For those who don’t know me, I am a writer, editor, comedian and a non-executive director of Funny Women CIC. I was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in summer 2022 on the eve of my first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe where I was going to explore life from the perspective of my show What Would Dolly Do; the ‘Dolly’ in question being Dolly Parton, my glittering guide to life!
Now, over two years on, I am still here but confined to my bed and in need of 24-hour care due to the side effects of my cancer treatment. However, with the incredible support of family and friends I am still very much part of the comedy community.
When Lynne approached me with the idea of creating a legacy with The Glitter Project, I had no idea of how ‘involved’ I could be, but thanks to an amazing team of volunteers Funny Women has made it very easy for me to be a part of this initiative given my limitations.
My image is ‘above the shop’ thanks to the wonderful graphics created by Funny Women’s Amsterdam producer, Roxy JC, and my Substack ‘A Bit of Glitter’ has inspired the name of the project.
I’m fortunate to have worked alongside some incredible funny women throughout my career, in many different capacities. All I have ever wanted to do is find joy, laughter and a bit of sparkle along the way in life, so I’m thrilled that The Glitter Project is now up and running providing women with the tools, bravery and knowledge to keep the laughter going for many years to come. I have used humour throughout my personal and professional life and there is no greater legacy than passing this on.
Funny Women’s Glitter Project is an incredible programme of mentoring and support for women made possible with funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Lynne has applied to ACE several times over the last few years to fund a project called ‘A Safe Place’, so when she was finally successful in summer 2024, this became The ‘Glitter Project – A Safe Place’.
As 2025 dawns, I would like to put something out there which is very important to me.
Funding is limited and this work won’t continue without more financial support. I don’t want that to happen so it’s important that we find a more sustainable way of funding and expanding this initiative to include new locations. Lynne and the Funny Women team really punch above their weight and, although they make it all look amazing, I know it’s a constant battle.
I would like The Glitter Project to continue as my legacy and need your help.
This is how.
All The Glitter Project events are free to attend or very low cost with any income going back into supporting the initiative. There is an option to make a small donation when you book an event and although there is absolutely no pressure on you to do this, in the words of a famous supermarket, every little really does help. Please donate if you can.
If you have benefited from the work of Funny Women or are now a successful funny woman with an established career performing, writing or creating comedy professionally, please consider supporting The Glitter Project either financially or by giving up your time to volunteer, offer advice, make a guest appearance at one of our Mentoring Meetups, run a workshop or host an Open Mic. Paying it forward is not always about money and getting involved in grassroots talent development is rewarding for us all.
I know that when I first started performing stand up, just having a wise word from a famous comedian or being recommended for a gig by somebody more experienced, really boosted my confidence and helped me create an incredible support network to negotiate the comedy circuit.
I am proud that I have been able to give something back to Funny Women by joining the non-executive board, performing at shows and hosting heats of the Funny Women Awards, particularly during the pandemic when everything went online. So, please help me extend my glittering legacy!
I know that Lynne is continually looking for additional funding and sponsorship for The Glitter Project and other key activities like the Funny Women Awards, so please support comedy at grassroots and increase the talent pipeline.
Women are truly funny even if we don’t always believe it ourselves.
If you would like to make a donation now, please click here or scan the QR code below.
If you want to volunteer or take part in The Glitter Project please email info@funnywomen.com.
Details of all upcoming Glitter Project Mentoring Meetups and Open Mic events are here and contacts for the regional producers can be found here.
Check out Lynne and me talking about what the Project means to us here.
