The Babycham Funny Women Comedy Awards search for new female stand ups in the UK is now on.

It is the second year of the competition which had nearly 100 entries last year and whose winner - Sarah Davies - went on to take the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm winning critical acclaim for her performance as 'Jade the Folk Singer.' Sarah was thrilled she won the competition and has since taken part in various television shows, performs to sell-out audiences and has secured a deal with comedy agents Beyond Compère. Runners up Ria Lina and Anna Keirle have also both enjoyed success from the competition as have many of the finalists.

To enter the competition, comics must be over the age of 18 and have been performing for three years or less. Material must be original and the Producer's decision is final.

Entry forms and terms and conditions can be found on the website: www.funnywomen.com or they can call the Hotline on: 07969 800584 and/or email: info@funnywomen.com.

The winner will receive £2,000 in cash plus the opportunity to perform at future Funny Women events. The two runners up will each receive £500 in cash.

Eight showcases will run throughout May and June across the UK, with the final taking place at the prestigious Comedy Store in London on Monday 12^th July. Every event is open to the public who are also encouraged to come along and support Britain's newest comedy talent. See dates below:

LONDON - Tuesday 11^th May @ Ginglik, 1 Shepherd's Bush Green, W12. Booking line: 07714 207 914. Tickets tbc.

BRISTOL - Wednesday 12^th May @ Jesters. 142 Cheltenham Road, BS6.

Booking line: 0117 909 6655. Tickets tbc.

LONDON - Tuesday 25^th May @ Ginglik, 1 Shepherd's Bush Green, W12. Booking line: 07714 207 914. Tickets tbc.

LIVERPOOL - Thursday 27^th May @ Liverpool Laughter House, The Slaughterhouse, 13-15 Fenwick St, Liverpool. Booking line: 0151 231 6881. Tickets tbc.

GLASGOW - Thursday 10^th June @ The Vault, 1110 Pollockshaws Road, Shawlands Cross. Booking line: 0141 649 0007. Tickets tbc.

MANCHESTER - Monday 14^th June @ XS Mallarkey, Bar XS, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield. Booking line: 07719 494 010

BIRMINGHAM - Tuesday 15^th June @ Cheeky Monkey, Station Pub, 7 High Street, King's Heath. Booking line: 0121 689 4372

LONDON - Tuesday 22^nd June @ Ginglik, 1 Shepherd's Bush Green, W12. Booking line: 07714 207 914. Tickets tbc.

FINAL - Monday 12^th July @ The Comedy Store, 1a Oxenden St, SW1. Booking line: 0870 060 2340. Tickets tbc.

www.funnywomen.com