Femmes By The Thames

FOLLOWING successive sell out shows, an evening dedicated to women stand up comedians and cabaret performers is back once again next week as part of a South London arts festival.

Femmes By The Thames takes place not in a pub or club but on a boat on the Thames – the Battersea Barge to be exact, so a bit of bobbing about is to be expected and will no doubt add to the experience.

It will be hosted by its founder and writer, radio presenter and stand up comedian Rosie Wilby and she promises a top notch line up to boot.

“Femmes By The Thames used to be a regular night on the Battersea Barge a few years ago before it moved to other venues including the Royal Vauxhall Tavern,” she says by way of explanation.

“It was always a showcase for talented women comedians, cabaret acts and musicians and while it’s now only an annual event as part of the Wandsworth Arts Festival, we still maintain that ethos.

“The Battersea Barge is also a lovely venue and it’s really exciting to be back again for a fourth year.”

This year’s line up features among others, writer and comedian VG Lee, Revan & Fennell, Carly Smallman and Elf Lyons.

What’s more, at £7.50 a ticket it’s a show which isn’t going to break the bank.

“The line up is looking great,” says Rosie. “It’s so exciting to be introducing a bill of such great women and I’m especially pleased about VG Lee.

“She started her career as an author but on her 60th birthday set herself a challenge of doing 60 stand up gigs that year.

“She smashed that target and has carried on ever since. She has a really self deprecating wit so it will be great to see her.”

Introducing them all will be Rosie who as well as compere for the night will “get to know the audience”.

“I get everyone warmed up a bit and play some games or joke with them,” she says. “Last year there were lots of sporty women in so we ended up playing volleyball which was made out of a balloon – it was a lot of fun.

“What I love about the show is that it has a collaborative feel,” she adds. “There is no real sense of a headline act, rather just a bunch of hugely talented and very funny women.

“It’s basically an evening celebrating women and I think that although men love the show, it’s nice for a woman to see other women doing good stuff on stage.

“There are a lot more of us on the circuit these days and attitudes have changed but this show is a great positive affirmation for women.”

Femmes By The Thames at the Battersea Barge on Kirtling Street, takes place on May 13. Visit www.wegottickets.com/event/303643 for tickets.