Funny Women Awards 2015 winners announced

The Funny Women Awards 2015 took place at London's Kings Place theatre last night, hosted by comedian and former Funny Women finalist Kerry Godliman.

The Stage Award went to Desiree Leah Burch from California, whilst Christine Entwistle picked up the Comedy Writing Award, and Rachel Marwood picked up the prize for best Comedy Short.

Burch said last night: "The women who have been involved with this competition in previous years are some of the funniest comics in Britain - male or female. It's gobsmackingly brilliant to now be one of them.

"Being singled out from this year's group of funny, smart, dynamic and charismatic women is a huge honour. Everyone involved in the Funny Women Awards, from the acts to the organisers and sponsors, has been incredibly supportive and welcoming - especially to someone who is relatively new to London and the UK comedy scene."

Comedy Writing Award winner Christine Entwistle stated: "I spend a lot of the time on my own writing and feeling lonely and worthless and crackers. And tonight I felt like a million pounds!"

Defrosted won the Comedy Shorts category. Writer Rachel Marwood said: "I am over the moon and very grateful!"

Sarah Keyworth took second place for the Stage Award, with Raised By Wolves star Helen Monks coming third. Julie Ann Meaney, Rosana Bosanac, Kate Kennedy, Sophie Duker, Tamar Broadbent, Jane Postlethwaite and Maggy Whitehouse were the other finalists performing.

The Stage Award was judged by an industry panel including: Lee Griffiths (Associate Producer, Comedy & Cabaret, Soho Theatre); Alice Jones (Deputy Arts Editor, The Independent and i); Gavin Smith (Creative Director, The Comedy Unit); Rachel Springett (Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Comedy); Kitty Laing (Head of Comedy, United Agents); Fiona Clark (Executive Producer, Entertainment, ITV Studios); Julia McKenzie (Head of Radio Comedy, BBC); Morwenna Gordon (Development Executive, Comedy, Sky); Gail Bojarski (General Manager, Benefit Cosmetics UK); Ian Marshall (Managing Director, Benefit Cosmetics UK); and Lynne Parker as the Chair (Founder and Chief Executive, Funny Women).

Parker said today: "Last night's Awards hit a new high in standards. Polished, varied and talented performances from all 10 finalists for the stage award surpassed my expectations. Female comedy has come a long way since I started the Awards 13 years ago and it's here to stay!"

Each ticket sold for the awards included a Benefit goody bag containing a 'Laughter is the Best Cosmetic' makeup bag, License to Blot sample, POREfessional sample, Roller Lash sample, POREfessional post it notes and POREfessional mini clocks. All proceeds helped to raise vital funds and awareness for national domestic violence charity, Refuge.

Benefit Cosmetics has been working with Funny Women since 2011. Hannah Webley-Smith, UK Marketing Director says: "Our motto is 'laughter is the best cosmetic' and we want to make women feel good about themselves, which is why we feel Funny Women and Benefit are such a great fit. We're thrilled to be raising more awareness and funds for Refuge."

The Funny Women contest has seen past finalists and winners include: Katherine Ryan, Andi Osho, Zoe Lyons, Bridget Christie, Susan Calman, Sara Pascoe, Roisin Conaty, Holly Walsh and Sarah Millican.

Below are video highlights from the 2015 final: