1. Victoria Wood

The legendary Victoria Wood was one of the first British female comedians to achieve national acclaim. She won a TV talent show – New Faces – back in 1974 and never looked back. Today, she has a very impressive list of credits under her belt and is a hugely successful stand-up comedian, singer-songwriter, actress, screenwriter, and director. She has a unique take on life and is highly skilled in observing and satirizing our culture from a female standpoint. As well as her one-woman shows, which are a mix of stand-up routines, songs sung at the piano, and sketches, Victoria penned and starred in the very successful sitcom Dinnerladies and also a one-off serious drama, Housewife, 49. The video clip showcases the song she is probably most known for.

2. Dawn French

Along with her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French came to our attention as one of a new crop of anarchic comedians who grabbed the limelight in the very early '80s. This talented group included Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Ben Elton, Harry Enfield, Rik Mayall, and Ade Edmondson. Dawn has been inspirational to many women because she has never let her size be an issue or a barrier in an industry that often lauds the “ideal woman.” The French and Saunders show on TV was a tour de force of parody, lampooning notables like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Titanic, alongside observational comedy and total slapstick. Her most famous role is as Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley, penned by one of Britain’s greatest comedy writers, Richard Curtis, known for Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

3. Jennifer Saunders

Although in an equal partnership in French and Saunders, Jennifer Saunders has achieved significant solo success. It speaks volumes about the talent of both these British female comedians that they are equally comfortable working together and apart. Jennifer is mainly known outside the double act for Absolutely Fabulous – a scathing and hugely funny portrayal of the world of PR and fashion, ably assisted by Joanna Lumley as the vodka-swilling, man-hungry Patsy. Jennifer also wrote the stage musical Viva Forever, based on the Spice Girls, which was a bold creative move. She is an amazing writer and has been married to the hilarious Adrian Edmondson for 28 years, forming one of the most enduring marriages in the UK comedy world.

4. Sarah Millican

This northern lady has endeared herself to British comedy audiences with her rather naive view of the world. Sarah Millican often references the messy and gritty side of relationships and dating, delivering her observations in well-chosen, often surprising words. You rarely hear an expletive, but her clever euphemisms for various body parts are referenced in all sorts of cutesy ways – and it works perfectly. Like most English comediennes, she is very self-deprecating, with much of her comedy being based on her own quirks and personal life. Check out more funny women in comedy here.

5. Sue Perkins

Of all the British funny women on my list, Sue Perkins is perhaps the most versatile. She too is one half of a double act with Mel Giedroyc, but Sue has gained greater fame in recent years through her radio broadcasting and solo appearances. As Mel and Sue, they enjoyed massive success as the original presenters of The Great British Bake Off. Sue showed her fearless side in the series The Supersizers Eat..., where she and Giles Coren ate exactly as people would have during certain periods of history. Sue Perkins appears on many panel shows on TV and radio and is always an entertaining guest.

6. Jo Brand

I mentioned self-deprecation earlier, and few embody this more than Jo Brand. She is truly the queen of the genre. When she first appeared, she shocked audiences with her wry and sardonic observations. In a world used to certain expectations for female performers, Jo was a breath of fresh air, reveling in her body mass and her love for cake in no uncertain terms. Jo joined the ranks of the very funny women who make us laugh by being completely unpretentious and totally at ease with herself. The former psychiatric nurse has also written and starred in her own critically acclaimed sitcom, Getting On.

7. Miranda Hart

Last but not least is a current favorite. Miranda Hart literally burst onto our TV screens when her radio show was adapted for television, and she has been a breath of fresh air ever since. The concept is simple: we follow Miranda through her dating disasters and crazy life. Miranda is very distinctive and stands just over 6 feet tall. When the BBC dramatized Call the Midwife, the author Jenny Worth decided Miranda was perfect for the role of Camilla “Chummy” Fortescue-Cholmondeley-Browne. Miranda showed that like so many British comedy actresses, she isn’t just a comical genius but can transfer her skills to dramatic roles too.

What Makes British Female Comedians So Special?

I do hope you take some time to check out these very funny British female comedians. Maybe you already know some of their work? Do you have a favorite among these iconic women? Let us know your thoughts!