Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces first acts
Scotland's biggest dedicated comedy festival gets set to celebrate Glasgow as the 'funniest city in the world' from 12th - 30th March 2025!
Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 8 November 2024 8:58
Headline shows include popular podcast Here Comes the Guillotine, Susie McCabe, Connor Burns, Val McDermid & Nicola Sturgeon’s Books and Banter, Jimeoin, Russell Kane, Jamali Maddix and many more.
The 2025 festival will feature shows across every genre of comedy from traditional stand-up, live podcasts, clowning, improv, theatre, kids shows, musicals and more, with shows for all age ranges hosted in venues across the city.
Tickets on sale now via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
Over 560 shows took place as part of 2024’s record-breaking festival, with 2025 set to welcome huge names including Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe, Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon, Russell Kane and more.
Three of Scotland’s top comedians will bring their hugely popular podcast to GICF as Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd host ‘Here Comes The Guillotine’; the podcast’s first hometown live show. Leaving no stone unturned in the weekly podcast, the trio take on everything from politics, the state of the world and celebrities with their unbridled style of rebellious comedy set to be unleashed in a raucous live show at the SEC Armadillo.
Susie McCabe, of Here Comes The Guillotine, said: “The three of us are really looking forward to sharing a stage together in our home town, and doing something a bit different from our established stand up!”
Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon present the ultimate night for book lovers and comedy fans all in one with ‘Books and Banter’ as they discuss books they have loved, loathed and laughed at, joined on stage by special comedy guests to share books that have left an indelible mark on them. A night guaranteed to be filled with lively chat and lots of laughs, ‘Books and Banter’ will see the renowned Scottish crime writer and former First Minister join forces with comedy’s biggest book lovers, all for the love of reading.
Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon said: “...Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship. And now we want to share the love... (at) the Glasgow International Comedy Festival where we’ll be joined by two top names from the comedy world. We’ll be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading. Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers.”
2024’s winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Susie McCabe returns to GICF with brand new show ‘Best Behaviour’ following last year’s rave reviewed and sold out show ‘Merchant of Menace’. The Glaswegian comic returns to the King’s Theatre for a three-show run that will showcase exactly why she was named last year’s Spirit of Glasgow winner by the Big Yin himself.
GICF will also host some of comedy’s most exciting rising stars including Connor Burns, an Edinburgh comic destined for the big stage following sell-out crowds at Edinburgh Fringe, as he entertains fans with his homegrown Scottish cynicism and razor sharp wit. Claiming Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards this year, Yorkshire native Joe Kent-Walter revives ‘Frankie Monroe’ for an hour of late-night chaos-fuelled character madness whilst Glasgow’s own Kathleen Hughes presents her dark debut hour with ‘Cryptid!’, a show about identity and imperfection.
Some of the UK’s biggest comedians will head to Glasgow next spring including award winning comedian and actor Russell Kane with his unique blend of sharp wit and physical comedy, as well as acclaimed Irish stand-up Jimeoin’s observational comedy in new show ‘Who’s Your Man?!’ Plus, Never Mind the Buzzcocks regular Jamali Maddix will showcase his trademark brutal honesty and critically acclaimed comedy in new show ‘Aston’.
There’s plenty of homegrown talent on display at GICF with Scot Squad star Darren Connell taking to the hallowed stage of the King’s Theatre, following his debut at the festival 14 years ago. Plus, Irish star Catherine Bohart brings her Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show to Glasgow, in a hilariously twisted coming of age saga.
With over 175 shows already confirmed, 21 venues registered and 10,000 tickets sold, festival organisers believe the event is on track to be one of the biggest ever and have encouraged budding comedians to get involved ahead of GICF’s brochure registration deadline on 22nd November.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “Following 2024’s record-breaking year, Glasgow International Comedy Festival is set to once again host comedy’s biggest and best, alongside the industry’s rising stars, for a jam-packed 19 days of wall to wall comedy featuring stand-up, live podcasts, family shows, improv and more.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating Glasgow as the funniest city in the world, as hundreds of comedians and performers set out to entertain audiences in venues all across the city. If you’ve always wanted to perform at GICF then now is the time - don’t miss out!”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, shared her excitement saying: “The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is a beloved gem in our vibrant cultural calendar. It showcases some of the UK’s most celebrated, award-winning comedians, billed alongside a wealth of local talent, each set to make Glasgow laugh.
“Since its inception more than twenty years ago the quality of talent has seen it flourish, becoming Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival, with a stellar reputation for its incredible lineup. This year looks set to raise the bar higher still.
“As we get ready for GICF 2025, it’s wonderful to announce the first acts that promise to entertain a wide range of audiences. We are already excited to welcome everyone this March for a spectacular celebration of laughter and joy!”
Venues currently registered to host GICF events include The King’s Theatre, Oran Mor, The Stand Comedy Club, SEC Armadillo, Blackfriars, Platform, The Old Hairdressers and more.
Acts and venues can register to be included in GICF’s printed festival guide by 22nd November via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
2025 festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com with the full festival launch in early January.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together
Move Train Eat is set to grow its timetable in 2025 with the aim of helping people move better and connect with like-minded people, as they enter new phases of life.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024
Braehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025
The Citizens Theatre announces Small Acts of Love as the show which will reopen the theatre in 2025.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance
Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas
Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development
Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway
OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards
Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards
OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas
Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.
READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links