It’s competition time. David Whetstone reports on a women’s comedy contest and an urban music specialist’s campaign to bag a top prize

A DUST-UP in the world of women’s comedy has resulted in an opportunity for North East lasses who can make us laugh.

Sharon Race, who runs the all-female Laughing Lasses Comedy Club in Newcastle, says the established Funny Women comedy competition introduced a £15 fee this year to cover administration costs.

In protest at what some considered a deterrent to funny ladies without two pennies to rub together, a rival competition was set up.

Sharon says the Funny’s Funny Female Comedian of the Year competition has turned into one of the biggest events on the UK comedy circuit.

So far 220 women have put themselves forward as contenders for the title and the next heat is on Friday, hosted by the Laughing Lasses Comedy Club.

Sharon said: “Laughing Lasses are thrilled to be involved in this new national competition.

“The night will be a celebration of the region’s female comedians.

“This is a great chance to discover new talent and enjoy the rising stars of the comedy circuit.

“We may or may not kick-start someone’s funny career, but we’ll definitely raise some serious laughter.”

The multi-talented Ms Race, who writes and performs comedy, will be master of ceremonies on Friday.

The judges will include poet and comedian Kate Fox and BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Jonathan Miles.

The event will take place at the Telegraph Bar on Orchard Street (behind Newcastle Central Station) and it starts at 8pm.