May 2nd, 2024.



Wanting to open up more opportunities for female acts in a historically male-dominated comedy landscape, Nik Coppin of Art of Comedy has paired with Paula Woolven of Morgwyn's Marvellous Media to put together an all-female revolving lineup of over 50 acts for Brighton Belles, a 12-date showcase during the Brighton Festival Fringe in May 2024.

The comedy industry has begun a hopeful evolution in recent years with a push towards more diversity and inclusion. Paula and Nik are helping herald in the changes with the bonus of profits from Belles being donated to the Havens Food Cooperative - preventing food waste and feeding the community.

Nik, a renowned international comedian detailed how it began: "I started Adeladies at the Adelaide Fringe then Edinbra and what is now Brighton Belles at Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe respectively. I'm delighted to have Paula on board this year, with her background in local social enterprises, to give Belles a boost and make money for such a great cause."

"Comedy should absolutely have people working to level the playing field," agreed Paula. "I'm delighted to have signed up over fifty wonderful female comedians, many hosting their own Fringe shows, for a series of fantastic shows in May."

The Bevy of Belles are looking forward to working together including popular Brighton comic Katherine Kenway who said: “Paula and Nik have done the seemingly impossible and created a festival show of over 50 female comedians. I say this because a fair number of promoters have difficulty booking ONE.”

Marti Delon quipped: "Being on an all-women bill - we've synced our jokes up for the occasion."

"Every woman needs to find her tribe and Brighton Belles is just that," said Emma Cohen. "A tribe of funny women, doing what they love and what they’re good at whilst supporting a brilliant cause, female comedians are the ultimate multitaskers."

Charlotte Madden said: "These women are super funny. It’s official. I can’t wait to be amongst them. And it’s for charity. A rare and special run of gigs doing something awesome."

Nik and Paula have been working together for the last two years with projects led by comedians to workshop mental health topics and on fundraising events including 'Telscombe Titters' (headlined by Zoe Lyons), which raised £1000 for Breast Cancer Support Group, and January's EBM Centre fundraiser in Peacehaven (headlined by Laura Lexx), which raised £1500 for Parkinsons Research.

To purchase tickets for Brighton Belles, which is being held at the Temple Bar Brighton CLICK HERE.

To find out more about the Havens Food Cooperative CLICK HERE.