Women Aren’t Funny

"All women joke about is periods and bras!"

Well, at Shakespeare North, we love a Period BRAma!  

Get ready for a glorious night of standup comedy in our studio that’s here to prove one undeniable truth: women are in fact hilarious.   

Featuring a stellar lineup of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from across the North West and beyond.  

COMPERE: Kay Nicholson

Kay Nicholson is an incredibly dynamic and witty comedian making waves on the UK comedy circuit. Known for her sharp observational humour and down-to-earth style, Kay delivers performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Her relatable storytelling, coupled with her infectious energy, makes her a favourite at clubs and festivals alike. Kay’s natural stage presence and quick wit have earned her spots at some of the country’s most prestigious comedy venues, including regular appearances at Hot Water Comedy Club. A rising star with a fresh perspective, Kay Nicholson continues to charm and entertain with her unique comedic voice. She is currently starring in the UK tour of Andrea Dunbar’s hit comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too. 

“One of the best new acts I’ve ever seen” – Jamie Hutchinson  

“The up & coming queen of scouse comedy” – Skiddle 

OPEN: Maxine Wade

A regular on stages across the country, Maxine’s comedy is warm, whip-smart, and just the right amount of unhinged. Finalist in multiple national competitions and fast becoming a favourite with live audiences, Maxine Wade is one to watch. BBC New Comedy Award Regional Finalist and Best In Class alumni.

MIDDLE: Ariel Hebditch

Winner of the Jason Manford Award for Best Newcomer at the Women in Comedy Festival 2024, Ariel Hebditch has taken the Manchester comedy circuit by storm. Her debut one-woman show ‘Skeleton Out of the Closet’ toured the UK last year, she has a podcast with her brother about the hit television show LOST, she’s part of the spectacularly silly comedy troupe Spruce Moose performing their original plays at the Edinburgh Fringe every summer, and she’s definitely not a vampire. Your resident asexual punk takes you on a chaotic, high-energy ride on stage, promising you queer joy and the decidedly-more-hard-to-come-by gothic joy, and she cannot stress this enough, she is absolutely not a vampire.

‘Spruce Moose Comedy deserve to be on everyone’s lips’ – (The Wee Review, ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆).

‘Hebditch rivalled television comedy in poise and execution, and outpaced it in creativity’ – (Varsity, ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆)

HEADLINER – Hayley Ellis

Northerner Hayley Ellis is not only a solid act but also a great MC and has provided tour support for Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Jason Manford. Her comedy is sharp, clever and very funny, and her warmth, quick wit

and ability to ad lib means she is one of the fastest rising women in comedy. Her wealth of material has also led her to contributing to Russell Howard’s Good News, Radio 4 Newsjack, Absolute radio and XFM’s breakfast show to name a few.

“Brilliantly funny and a joy to watch” – SARAH MILLICAN

“Hayley is a proper comic, funny, relatable & one to watch” – JASON MANFORD

“Sharp, clever, and very funny” – THE SUNDAY POST

“An original and very funny lady” – FUNNY WOMEN

“Ellis is a talent” – FEST MAG

“A great Hour of stand-up” – NORTHERN SOUL

“Outstanding. Her quick wit, ability to ad-lib and audience involvement provided the right tone and mood from the outset. Greatly entertained the crowd.” – ROCK RADIO

“Hayley Ellis is fast becoming Manchester’s Funniest female”