On Tuesday, The Comedy Store is opening to do it’s first ever gig since Lockdown with a very special event, The Funny Women Awards 2020 Final. Since the 1st of April this years event has been running online with 320 entrants all competing to win in a place in the final that has seen comedians such as Katherine Ryan, Sara Pasco, Desiree Bunch, Sarah Millican and Kerry Godliman all make it and gone onto become household names. Over the next few days we have exclusive interviews with the finalists! This afternoon we speak to Ania Magliano.

Hello Anna tell us a little bit about yourself!

 I’m a 22 year old Aquarius from Buckinghamshire – surely that says it all.

How did you get into comedy?

 I managed to get a job at the Edinburgh Fringe because I wanted to be an actor, and after watching stand up I realised that was what I actually wanted to do. I hadn’t seen many female comedians on mainstream TV, so that Fringe was the first time I realised that women could do comedy (and better than a lot of men) (no offence).

You are one of the finalists of The Funny Women Awards 2020! How did you react when you found out?

I was at a work drinks and had to be professional so I went into the toilet and did a small scream.

Why is it important to have awards such as this one?

I think the comedy industry can be incredibly intimidating, so these awards provide a point for people to aim towards. It’s also clear from the amount of careers the Funny Women awards has launched that it’s a massive part of discovering new comedians.

You have the live final coming up – how are you feeling about it?

I’m nervous but excited (how unique and interesting). I think everyone will be so happy to be performing live again that the vibes will be excellent no matter what.

And it is in a venue! That must be exciting to be performing back on stage?

Yes!

It’s at the Comedy Store in London which is great because it’s right opposite M&M world, so hopefully we can have the after party there.

What one of your jokes are you most proud of?

I have a couple which I came up with the idea for maybe 3 years ago, and have only worked out the best form for this year. Those are really satisfying because you’re like ‘I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THIS. Those 10 people in Edinburgh can suck it’ etc etc.

Who are your comedy heroes and why?

 I remember at the first Edinburgh Fringe Festival I went to I saw Desiree Burch, and she did this amazing set about women shaving (and ultimately how we shouldn’t have to). I laughed so much but also came out feeling incredibly confident and like I’d had this amazing affirmation session. So I really love comedians who do that – tap into a collective anxiety and make us realise that it’s ok! People like Sarah Pascoe, Rose Matafeo, Olga Koch and Sophie Duker are all doing this amazingly.

Tell us about the writing process for your shows – do you have any specific ways to motivate yourself?

I still love writing by hand (I know, I’m actually Shakespeare) so just sitting down and doing that is my incredibly inspiring artistic process. Turns out it’s easier to come up with jokes when you’re not also scrolling through Twitter at every waking moment.

With everything happening in the world this year have you been able to do any shows or content online?

 Yes, I’ve ventured into the world of TikTok which is not actually just teenagers dancing to Jason Derulo, though there is a lot of that. But there are some hilarious people reaching new levels of creativity on TikTok. And also lots of nice kittens.

What three things have you learnt about adapting to performing online?

Double your energy, stand up whilst performing and remember to mute when you go to loo.

What are your plans for 2021?

 Continue to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a comedian whilst following government coronavirus guidelines 

If people want to find out more about you, where can they go on social media?

@aniamags on Twitter, @aniamagliano on Instagram and TikTok!

Finally in three words, why should you win the Award?

Me funny woman!