Our eight amazing Challengers are almost ready to complete a very special Comedy Challenge at the world’s largest arts festival to raise funds for The Glitter Project.
Before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe for the finale to months of coaching and practice for a comedy performance of a lifetime, they are previewing their newfound comedy talent in a special preview show at the Groucho Club London.
Some of them have dabbled in a bit of comedy, or are already seasoned public speakers, but our 2026 Glitter Challenge cohort have been working with some of our most trusted Funny Women collaborators and comedians, to showcase their performance skills at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Funds raised by The Glitter Challenge will go towards giving women from all walks of life access to incredible creative opportunities. Launched in 2024, The Glitter Project – A Safe Place continues to provide safe, inclusive and accessible places for women to explore their creativity, develop self-confidence and be inspired through comedy.
Inspired by Jo Fletcher-Cross, who was one of Funny Women’s non-executive directors and a comedian diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022 on the eve of her first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Glitter Project was developed as an enduring legacy. Jo, who died in April 2026, said:
“All I have ever wanted to do is find joy, laughter and a bit of sparkle along the way in life and I’m so thrilled that The Glitter Project is helping fabulous funny women with the tools, bravery and knowledge to keep the laughter going for many years to come.”
Our 2026 Glitter Challengers are pictured below.
