British comedian, actress, and author Helen Lederer is having a busy and exciting year. From returning to the West End in a revival of the classic comedy Fawlty Towers to publishing her heartfelt and humorous memoir, she is once again proving her lasting impact in entertainment and literature. Beyond her personal achievements, she continues to uplift other women through her writing award, the Comedy Women in Print Prize.
Helen Lederer Joins Fawlty Towers Live Show
In 2025, Helen Lederer has taken on a new stage role as Mrs. Richards in the live theatre adaptation of Fawlty Towers. This role, originally made famous in the iconic 1970s British TV show, brings her back into the spotlight as part of the comedy’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
The play is showing in the West End and has been drawing fans of all ages. Lederer brings fresh energy to the role of the famously demanding hotel guest who’s hard of hearing—a perfect fit for her sharp wit and unique comedic timing.
Her return to stage acting has been met with praise, with audiences appreciating both her humor and charm in a role that balances nostalgia with a modern take.
New Memoir: “Not That I’m Bitter” Gives Candid Glimpse Into Her Life
Helen’s memoir, Not That I’m Bitter, was recently released and gives readers an honest, touching, and funny look at her personal and professional life. In the book, she shares her journey as a woman in the male-dominated comedy scene of the 1980s and opens up about the challenges she faced in her career and personal relationships.
The memoir is not just about laughs—it’s also a story of resilience, ambition, and finding your voice in a tough industry. Helen writes about the ups and downs of being a public figure while offering thoughtful reflections that resonate with anyone chasing a dream.
Readers have praised the book for its honesty, clever storytelling, and the inspiration it offers, especially to women trying to succeed in creative fields.
Championing Women’s Voices Through the CWIP Prize
Helen Lederer is not just focused on her own work. She also founded the Comedy Women in Print (CWIP) Prize—an award that supports and celebrates women writing funny fiction. Established in 2018, this unique prize aims to give more visibility to female writers whose comedic work might otherwise go unnoticed.
The CWIP Prize has grown in popularity and now includes categories for published, unpublished, and self-published authors. It helps open doors for new voices in the literary world while giving recognition to comedy written by women.
Lederer believes that humor from a woman’s perspective needs more space in the public eye, and CWIP is her way of building that space.
Public Appearances and Upcoming Events
Helen Lederer will be taking part in the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, where she’ll talk about her new memoir and share personal stories from her career in comedy and acting. She’ll be joined at the event by other well-known figures, including Sue Barker and Prue Leith.
These appearances give fans a chance to hear Helen speak directly about her experiences, thoughts on the comedy industry, and the importance of encouraging women in writing.
Image Source: Cotswold Journal
