Glasgow sets stage for the 'biggest international comedy festival yet'

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival will return from the 12th to the 30th of March 2025

Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 8th Jan 2025

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is marking what organisers have said is their 'biggest year yet' - with 550 shows planned across 19 days in March.

Big names in Scottish comedy including Susie McCabe, Ashley Storrie and Russell Kane will top the bill - as well as an appearance by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The SNP MP will co-host a show with crime writer Val McDermid about their best and worst reads in 'Books And Banter'.

As well as leading UK and global comic stars like Andy Zaltzman, Richard Herring, Jamali Maddix and Felicity Ward, the festival features Tik Tok's rising stars including Kim Blythe and Paul Black.

The festival will run from March 12-30 and will feature every genre of comedy, from traditional stand-up, live podcasts and clowning to improv, theatre, children's shows and musicals.

'Real milestone year'

Festival director Krista MacDonald said the organisers are "thrilled" the 2025 event will be the biggest ever, describing it as a "real milestone year for the festival as we go into our third year of rebuilding post-pandemic".

She continued: "We'll be showcasing some of the very best comedians from around the world, the UK, and, of course, lots of stellar homegrown Scottish acts.

"Comedy plays a vital role in Glasgow's cultural identity and our city's comedy scene regularly produces acts who go on to impress on a worldwide stage.

"From our unique legacy of comedy performers to the top touring acts of today and through to the next generation of breakthrough talent, Glasgow is the starting point for countless acts and we can't wait to celebrate that this spring.

"GICF truly has all styles of comedy on display - traditional stand-up, clowning, musical comedy, theatre, live podcasts and family comedy shows - making sure there is genuinely something for everyone."

Highlights include the first hometown live show of hit podcast Here Comes The Guillotine, hosted by Glasgow comics Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd, and The Office Australia star Felicity Ward returning for her first national tour in six years.

Irish comedian Catherine Bohart said: "I can't wait to be back in Glasgow to do my show again, I've always loved performing there.

"Glaswegian audiences are raucous, and I feel like the Scottish and Irish share a sense of humour and are up for a good time."

Free workshops

The festival also includes the return of the Introduction To Comedy course for women and marginalised genders.

The free six-week workshop is taught by comedian Viv Gee, and is designed to encourage more people from these underrepresented groups to pursue comedy.

With such a packed line-up, Ms MacDonald said the festival is an opportunity for audiences to "take a chance" on someone new.

"The festival encompasses every corner of the city, from iconic comedy clubs in the west end to some of Scotland's most famous venues including the OVO Hydro, SEC Armadillo and the legendary Barrowland Ballroom," she said.

"We'd encourage you to take a chance on somebody new, as well as some of your old favourites, and join us as we celebrate Glasgow as the funniest city in the world once more."

Bailie Annette Christie, chairwoman of Glasgow Life, the festival's main funder, described the event as "an eagerly anticipated highlight in our city's packed cultural calendar".

She added: "Renowned for our warm welcome and legendary sense of humour, this remarkable festival places Glasgow firmly on the global comedy stage."

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