MAIA
TASSALINI
COMEDY WRITER AND STAND-UP
Just a chubby half Italian girl trying to make it in the big city!
Upcoming gigs!
I Was 22 and Stunning (WIP), Hastings Comedy Fest
June 4
Corn Exchange, Cambridge
June 5
I Was 22 and Stunning (WIP), Brighton Komedia
July 2
Comedy Arena, Latitude Festival
July24, 25, 26
I Was 22 and Stunning, Pleasance Courtyard
August5-30
Boldly and despite it all a ‘woman’ in ‘comedy’, Maia Tassalini is a stand-up and comedy writer making waves in the London comedy circuit by being the first person to realise you can be a comedian and not dress like shit.
A snappy dresser? I hardly even know her! No but in all seriousness she’s really funny and a total sweetie pie.
After gaining attention for her short film GUTS, she began performing stand-up in 2024 and later that year reached the final of the BBC New Comedian of the Year Award. She is a member of the Pleasance Comedy Reserve 2025, a Soho Comedy Labs Plus alumna, and makes her full Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2026. Her hyper-articulate, theatrical stand-up has rapidly marked her out as one of the UK’s most exciting new cult comic voices.
Maia was chosen by judges Babatunde Aléshé , Holly Walsh and Lara Ricote as the winner of the London and South East round of the BBC New Comedian of the Year Award, and appeared as one of six comedians in the Final on BBC One.
Maia’s latest film project is GUTS, a short film she wrote and produced starring Jan Ravens
GUTS centres on a meeting between Isla, an aspiring plus-size model, and Bev, her potential new agent who came of age in the 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels' era and is drowning under the changing tides of the industry.
The film is inspired by Maia’s real-life experiences as a plus size model, and at its core GUTS interrogates the way in which the intersection of power and humiliation manifests itself in women's bodies. GUTS is also the basis of a 30-minute pilot, which is in development.
GUTS is executive produced by Lara Singer of Big Talk Productions (The Outlaws, Peacock), directed Florence Winter Hill, whose previous short The Gospel According to Gail with Harriet Webb made the official selection for BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying film festivals, and shot by Carmen Pellon Brussosa.
GUTS news!
GUTS has been awarded Best Comedy at London Independent Film Festival
GUTS has won the Gold Medal for Best Student Comedy short at the London Comedy Short Film Festival
Maia has been awarded the esteemed Creative Access x McLaren Racing Bursary. She’s been awarded funds to support the festival run for 'GUTS' and as an acknowledgement of creative excellence.
GUTS has been selected as a semi-finalist for the Best Comedy at Big Fridge Festival London Independent Film Festival
This what Big Fridge had to say about GUTS…
‘"GUTS" brings a refreshing perspective to the world of fashion and body image, focusing its narrative around Isla, an aspiring plus-size model, and Bev, her potential agent navigating the evolving landscape of the industry. This insightful film, starring the comedy legend Jan Ravens, is inspired by real-life experiences, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and societal expectations concerning women's bodies.
The comedic brilliance of "GUTS" shines through with a delightful commentary that runs consistently throughout the film. The writing is sharp, cleverly crafting a narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the industry's shifting standards. The film sets the stage for a hilarious twist, keeping the audience engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds.
The performances from the leads are compelling. From the start, they breathe life into their characters, portraying the complexities of navigating an industry that has historically been rigid in its standards. The clash of wit between Isla and Bev adds layers to the story, creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The cinematography by Carmen Pellon Brussosa adds a layer of sophistication to the storytelling, complementing the sharp dialogue and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
At its core, "GUTS" successfully navigates the intersection of power and humiliation in women's bodies, offering a comedic lens through which to examine societal expectations. With its great writing, compelling performances, and a clever twist, "GUTS" stands out as a film that not only entertains but also sparks important conversations. It's a must-watch for those seeking a blend of humour and insightful commentary on the challenges faced by individuals in the ever-evolving world of fashion.’
