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Where have all the funny women gone? They're organising some excellent nights of comedy for ye laughter-seeking Londoners. There's tons of all-female comedy action this spring –here are a few shows you shouldn't miss.
The Playground, Southwark
If improvised comedy is your bag then check out this night at improv's favourite pub: The Miller in London Bridge. This improv show is hosted by popular duo Lauren Shearing and Maria Peters from Breaking & Entering plus special guests. Lauren and Maria don't bill the show as all-female – it's just a top night of comedy and it happens that all the performers are women. Previous guests have included TV names and members of Olivier award-winning improv troupe 'Showstoppers The Musical'. Pop along for some spur-of-the-moment laughs.
May 6, 8pm. The Miller, 98 Snowfields Rd, London Bridge, SE1 3SS. Tickets: £5
My Comedy, Charing Cross
This all-lady show happens on the first Thursday of every month. My Comedy provides stellar all-female line-ups including Shazia Mirza, Zoe Lyons and Jen Brister all hosted by experienced MC Maureen Younger. A night that will not disappoint.
May 5/June 2, 8pm. Retro Bar, 2 George Court, WC2N 6HH. Tickets: £10 (or £8 in advance)
Funny Women Awards heats, Embankment
2016 marks the fourteenth year of the annual Funny Women Awards: a competition to find the best new female comedy makers on the circuit. For female comedians/sketch/musical and character acts, it's an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents. Award heats started in April and are open to the public, so pop along and you might catch the next big comedy talent. Also, it's on a boat, on the Thames with a pink interior – it's like Harriet Harman's bus but bigger and funnier and with free make-up. Previous Funny Women Award winners and finalists include Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe, Katherine Ryan and Zoe Lyons so it should be, quite literally, a laugh. Tickets are £5.50 which is donated to Refuge and you get a free Benefit makeup sample for attending.
May 6, 25, June 14, 17, 21 and 22. The Good Ship Benefit at R.S Hispaniola, Victoria Embankment, WC2N 5DJ.
Girl Power at G & B Comedy, Soho
This free regular comedy night, usually hosted by the charming Scot Kyle Wallace, has a girl power takeover every few months. It's a night jam-packed with both new names and comedy circuit regulars and always entertains.
May 10, 8pm. Unit 1, West Ham Arches, E16 4BJ.
Ha Ha Muse, Soho
This monthly night is at Muse bar in Soho: a female-focused venue that is LGBTQ friendly. There's always a carefully curated line-up of up and coming comedians and some familiar faces as well. Recent headliners include Suzi Ruffell, Rosie Wilby and Jayde Adams. They also do excellent cocktails.
May 12, 8pm. Muse, 23 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RR. Tickets: £10 (or £8 in advance).
Laughing Labia, Soho
This is a relatively new comedy and cabaret night MC'd by award-winning Austrian comedian Alice Frick at Old Compton Street's first ever lesbian bar. Expect stand-up, burlesque, musical comedy and clowning with newcomers as well as top-notch circuit regulars. Recommended for those who like a bit of variety to their comedy.
May 22, 7pm. She, 23a Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 5LB. Tickets: £8 on the door.
For more live-action LOLs, check out London's best comedy clubs.