Speaking and Events
Gemma Ross is an engaging speaker, interviewer and panel host, bringing warmth, humour and insight to conversations on comedy history, women in entertainment, cultural nostalgia and storytelling.
She has appeared at festivals, cinemas, literary events and panel discussions, interviewing leading figures and sharing research on the women who shaped British comedy.
Public Talks
Gemma provides a range of author talks that encompass various fascinating subjects such as general comedy and in particular women in comedy. Whether it be film, television, or radio. Gemma also examines the social history linked to these women in comedy. These talks are engaging and funny, sharing Gemma's own insights and experiences in a captivating manner.
The Carry On Girls
Join author and comedy historian Gemma Ross, co-author of The Carry On Girls, for an affectionate and revealing celebration of the remarkable women who helped make the Carry On films a national institution.
From beloved regulars Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims and Barbara Windsor to scene-stealers including Patsy Rowlands, Margaret Nolan and Valerie Leon, Gemma explores the talent, resilience and comic timing behind some of British cinema’s most memorable performances.
Featuring entertaining clips, rarely told stories and fascinating social history, the talk looks beyond the familiar stereotypes to examine changing attitudes towards women, beauty, class and sexuality on screen.
Funny, nostalgic and insightful, The Carry On Girls celebrates actresses who were never simply glamorous additions to the films—they were very often the cleverest characters in them.
HERLARIOUS: Celebrating the Women of Comedy
Join author and comedy historian Gemma Ross for an entertaining journey through the remarkable history of women in British comedy.
From the unforgettable performances of Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, Esma Cannon, Patsy Rowlands and Marti Caine to the groundbreaking work of Victoria Wood, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Gemma celebrates the women who made generations laugh—and helped transform the comedy landscape.
Featuring memorable clips, fascinating stories and affectionate insights, this illustrated talk explores what made these performers so distinctive, the obstacles they overcame and why their comedy continues to resonate today.
A warm, witty celebration of the funny women who were never merely part of comedy history—they helped create it..
17th October 2026
Neath Arts Festival 2026
The Carry On Girls
In this lavish celebration of a pioneering generation of comedy actresses who continue to radiate charm and contemporary relevance, a few home truths are revealed, some myths are debunked, but above all some of the best-loved icons of British entertainment are given fitting affection and respect at long last. Authors Gemma and Robert Ross will share some hilarious stories from behind the scenes from our best loved comedy franchise, ahead of the revised and updated paperback launch of their best-selling book The Carry On Girls.
Dathliad o'r actoresau comedi arloesol serenodd yn y ffilmiau comedi Carry On. Ymunwch â’r hanesydd comedi Robert Ross am sgwrs fydd yn chwalu mythau ac yn rhoi canmoliaeth haeddiannol, o’r diwedd, i rai o eiconau mwyaf annwyl byd adloniant Prydain. Dysgwch am straeon hynod ddoniol o gefn llwyfan y gyfres gomedi annwyl hon, cyn lansio'r argraffiad clawr meddal diwygiedig a chyfoes o'u llyfr poblogaidd, The Carry On Girls.
30th October 2026
Quiz Night - London
Comedy Quiz Night
A night of British comedy, terrible prizes, retro snacks, and enough bad jokes to get complained about to the BBC!
Step into a wonderfully funny quiz night of British comedy hosted by Robert Ross!
Expect sitcoms, catchphrases, music rounds, ridiculous prizes, audience interaction and a special celebrity comedy quiz table. This is not your average quiz night.
Whether you're a comedy genius or completely useless at quizzes, this night is all about laughs, nostalgia and having a brilliant night out with your comedy chums.
✨ Teams of 2–6
✨ Fancy dress prizes - come dressed as a sitcom character (or not)! Or comedy t-shirts!
✨ Raffle prizes
✨ Prizes for the winning AND losing team
✨ BYOB – bring your own booze!
So dust off the comedy dvds, grab your cleverest mates (or funniest pals) and join us for a proper old-school comedy quiz night packed with shambles, laughter and retro vibes.
📍 Euston, London
📅 Friday 30th October
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!
7th November 2026
The Cinema Museum - London
The Comedy Salon
Yes, they’re back! In what has become an extremely popular treat for devotees of the Best of British Comedy. Robert Ross – the man Barry Cryer dubbed ‘Britain’s Comedy Historian’ – hosts another full day of hilarious anecdotes, rare treasures from the vaults, and a roll-call of very special guests.
And Gemma Ross, co-author of best-selling book The Carry On Girls, will, as always, be on hand to keep the fun forever flowing. Robert and Gemma will also be happy to sign any of their books you bring along on the day, as part of your ticket price.
Throughout the day there will be ample opportunity to purchase signed photographs and books, grab a happy snap with your favourite star, and mingle with our celebrities in a relaxed and informal setting.
Our previous guests have included such comedy favourites as Brad Ashton, Carol Cleveland, Robert Gillespie, Jeffrey Holland, Valerie Leon, Richard O’Callaghan, Jacki Piper, Brian Murphy, Penny Spencer, David Barry, and, beamed in from New York City, Jim Dale. All guests appear subject to other work and family commitments, but you can be guaranteed of an amazing line-up.
Do follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts @robertrosscomedyhistorian for regular updates.
Gemma & Robert Ross’s next Comedy Carnival is coming… Saturday 3rd April 2027.