Comedy night in Manchester celebrates female and non-binary talent
It'll be part of Femmes and Thems' third anniversary celebrations as they mark International Women's Day
A comedy night dedicated to celebrating female and non-binary talent is coming to Manchester’s Frog & Bucket Comedy Club on 8th March, marking International Women's Day.
Femmes & Thems, a popular comedy night at the venue since 2023, will host an International Women's Day special this Sunday as part of its 3rd birthday celebrations.
The event will feature a lineup of acclaimed comedians.
Canadian comic Kate Barron will headline the show, with support from Sarah Roberts, Sabina, Eddie French, and Kathy Rivett.
The Frog & Bucket Comedy Club, located on Oldham Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter, has been home to Femmes & Thems since its inception.
Femmes & Thems founders and co-hosts Alex Stringer and Tegan Marlow say the night has garnered a wonderful audience whilst showcasing the talent of female and non-binary comedians on the circuit.
“We’ve shown that the standard of non-male comedians now is high enough to put on a pro night as there are so many fantastic acts to choose from," they said.
The special comedy event aims to celebrate the diversity and talent within the comedy industry.
'The vibes are delicious'
Speaking to Hits Radio Pride, the pair describe how the event's all about putting a spotlight on untapped comedic talent.
Tegan said: "It's all a bit like a sleepover on and off stage!
"What's nice about this is when you have the backstage vibes, where all the acts are talking to each other, saying how they're so used to being the only female or non-binary person on the line-up, and they actually never get the chance to actually gig with each other.
"But here, we have a green room of the 'gays and the girlies' - it's so nice for them all to be together on the same bill.
"I also think Manchester's the ideal place to hold something like this, because the attitude's always been 'we're different and we don't care'.
"They're just doing their own thing, and Manchester has always cultivated that culture - people are always being creative and pushing boundaries - but it's also so welcoming and so open."
Alex added: "And the vibes are delicious.
"Out on the circuit, there's a distinct lack of women and non-binary people in comedy, and so I understand sometimes when promoters tell me how there's just not the take-up for these people getting on-stage.
"But also, you have to take some responsibility.
"If you don't see yourself represented on-stage, then you just don't think something is for you - that's how I always felt, and that's what stopped me from doing it years before now.
"I think it's a cyclical thing, that you have to show people that you're there for other people to start doing it too.
"Change takes time, and we wanted to be a part of that right here.
"The city's, really, my comedy home.
"Coming from Liverpool, I've never felt like an outsider, and I know there's that friendly rivalry, being scouse, but people love to laugh here - and that's why a night like this is perfect for a city as welcoming as Manchester."