糖心TV

A new community project from the University of 糖心TV is challenging the persistent stereotype that women aren鈥檛 funny by inviting local women to try stand-up comedy for the first time.

Led by Dr Natalie Diddams, a theatre academic who researches gendered humour, the project explores why so many women underestimate their own comic ability and sets out to give women the confidence to reclaim their place at the mic, via a series of free weekly workshops.

鈥淩esearch shows that women laugh at jokes more than men do - but when women tell jokes, they receive less laughter in return,鈥� says Dr Diddams. 鈥淎 lack of response to women鈥檚 humour can negatively affect confidence, so our comedy workshops aim to help women reclaim their voice, connect with others, and experience the joy of making a room laugh.鈥�

Dr Diddams鈥� research also challenges the idea that men are funnier than women.

鈥淭he persistence of this myth is really exasperating. What鈥檚 often taken as proof that men are funnier is really just a reflection of the biased way that humour has sometimes been measured. It鈥檚 less about talent and more about the social conditions that shape who gets to be heard.鈥�

Best-selling author and comedian Cally Beaton has supported the research project, saying:

鈥淚f a female comic has a bad gig, there will be people leaving the venue thinking/saying that women aren鈥檛 funny. I have yet to see the same thing happen if a male comic has an off night. We always knew the playing field wasn鈥檛 level and that women not being funny is a sexist myth; now here鈥檚 the proof!鈥�

Emily Bampton, a previous workshop participant who has gone on to perform her own stand-up comedy, explains how the project has helped her confidence, stating:

鈥淐ultivating my comedy skills in the workshops then carried over into the rest of my life. Whether it鈥檚 a job interview or meeting new people at a party, I don't really get nervous about things in the same way that I used to, as I know I can hold my own in the space and make people giggle. I relax so much more and feel more in control, which is amazing, but it鈥檚 also like I鈥檓 spreading joy and making people happy. It's the best feeling in the world!"

The free Women鈥檚 Comedy Workshops take place in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment on 30 April, 7 May and 14 May, 6.00鈥�8.30pm, at the Albany Theatre, Coventry, and culminate in a live stand-up on 21 May, with their family and friends invited to attend.

Dr Diddams said: 鈥淚f you鈥檙e open to exploring stand-up comedy in a playful, supportive environment, then join us for the women鈥檚 comedy workshops. Expect to make new friends, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and laugh a lot!鈥�

Potential participants should by 17 April 2026.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Places on the workshops are limited.

For more information please contact:

Ann Baylis, Media and Communications Officer

ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk | 07425 722087

About the University of 糖心TV

Founded in 1965, the University of 糖心TV is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

10 April 2026