Join Funny Women Patreon now at the annual ‘Amusing’ level or above and take part in this workshop for half-price!!
Got Fringe FOMO already? We’re staying firmly south of the border and for those of you not in Edinburgh this August, there’s lots of great comedy activity for you to enjoy in the capital over the summer. It’s the perfect time to take part in our annual Stand Up to Stand Out Summer School.
We’ve combined elements of our popular Stand Up to Stand Out workshop and the Comedy Crash Course to create a one-day event designed to take you on a comedy journey without it being scary! During the Summer School you will be introduced to some well know techniques to help you perform, write or create comedy or inject some humour into your everyday interactions, at work or play.
- Need a confidence boost?
- Want to write new comedy material and develop your performance style?
- Performing stand up comedy, presenting online or speaking in public for the first time?
- Nervous about using humour?
- Want to make new friends and influence people?!
Led by Funny Women founder Lynne Parker BCAa with some additional guidance from two guest experts, the day will culminate in a showcase for you to show off what you’ve created.
Lynne Parker, Founder & Creative Director, Funny Women CIC
Lynne has been running her comedy workshops since 2009 and has witnessed the genesis of many comedy careers through the Funny Women Awards and our programme of community events. Her initiative and guidance has enabled hundreds of women to gain the confidence to perform on stage and in the boardroom. Now that ‘performances’ have expanded to both in person and online environments, communication and presentation skills are a top priority.
Sarah Asante, Founder & Chief Creative, Asante Space Ltd
With two decades of experience across the BBC, UKTV, and Channel 4, Sarah is a powerhouse development strategist and scripted executive. During her tenures at the BBC and UKTV, she greenlit and developed a string of high-profile hits, including the BAFTA-winning Famalam, the internationally acclaimed Dreaming Whilst Black, and popular comedies like Meet the Richardsons and Murder They Hope. Her career is defined by a commitment to risk-taking narratives and a sharp eye for talent, before launching her own venture, Asante Space, in May 2025.
Sarah is a vital advocate for the next generation of storytellers, serving as a mentor for the BFI, Wonder Women, and Our Stories. Her influence extends to industry leadership roles with BAFTA and the Edinburgh TV Festival. As a consultant and frequent masterclass lead, she is shaping the business of television by bridging the gap between established institutional strategy and the fresh, diverse voices currently redefining the scripted landscape.
Sarah’s Session: ‘Funny Enough’ Isn’t the Whole Pitch
“In comedy, people aren’t just buying your idea, they’re buying into you. So how do you take control of your own story when you’re in the room? As former Comedy Commissioner at the BBC and Scripted Commissioner at UKTV, I’ve been pitched to thousands of times and know exactly what wording and energy actually lands. This workshop is about defining your story and selling yourself with confidence in the room.”
Rachael Amesbury, Freelance Creative Writer
Comedy writer and professional creative, Rachael has over 15 years of experience making words work harder than they probably should. She has written comedy ads for radio and TV, and brought her creative instincts to Meta, Flo Health and Adidas. She also writes for Funny Women, because obviously.
An Upright Citizens’ Brigade alum, she has performed across the New York, Bristol and London comedy scenes. She holds a BA in Scriptwriting and an MA in Comedy Writing, the curriculum of which lives rent-free in her head forever.
Despite once hating AI, she now uses it as a creative partner to push her writing further, faster, without ever letting it touch her voice.
Rachael’s session: Using AI without losing your voice
“Comedy writers and performers, join me on a journey through time and space to explore the WhatTheFuckery of AI in our creative world. An open, honest exploration of where AI can, should and shouldn’t fit into your creative practice. Whatever your current stance on AI, this interactive session will leave you with a practical understanding of how to use it to supercharge your writing and comedy sans guilt. Bring a laptop or just your phone.”
What’s included?
The iconic Groucho Club in London’s Soho is the perfect hide away for this event. Tea, coffee, morning pastries, and a light lunch are included in the price. Common food intolerances and preferences are taken into account.
This event is half price for Funny Women Patreon Members at the Annual ‘Amusing’ level or above and Groucho Club members.
Testimonials:
‘I recently took part in Stand Up to Stand Out. As a woman who has fought her way through business for many years now, determined in my mission to be ‘me’ – I really enjoyed Lynne’s approach. Being yourself, being ready to tell stories, laugh, amuse yourselves and each other – surely that’s all part of life?’
‘Too often we are restricted by the expectations of others, especially as a woman in business. This session was expertly led by Lynne, who made everyone feel welcome, but also emboldened. Within no time, absolute strangers were giggling hysterically and cheering each other on.’
‘I recently attended the Stand Up to Stand Out Workshop at the Groucho Club. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone but I felt supported by Lynne in this. I will be able to use what I learnt about the power of humour and my increased confidence in storytelling to deliver more compelling client presentations and, who knows, maybe even try stand up!’
‘Lynne is the most knowledgeable person I have met during my comedy career and I would recommend her to anyone/if not everyone; whether you’re starting out in comedy or you would like to be better at public speaking/improving your confidence – Lynne is the person to work with – she is hilarious, empowering and incredibly kind.’
‘I had a wonderful time on the Stand Up to Stand Out workshop. Lynne coached us with skill and humanity, creating a community from a group of strangers. And we were all really funny! To any woman thinking of going on the course, I’d say it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself.’
