Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has revealed its full 2024 programme with over 500 events taking place at 45 venues across the city (March 13-31).
Frank Skinner, Caroline Rhea, Maisie Adam, Leslie Liao, Fesshole, All Killa No Filla, and Kieran Hodgson are included on the bill.
They join a line-up which includes hometown heroes Susie McCabe, Frankie Boyle, Elaine C Smith, Mark Nelson, Some Laugh Live and Old Firm Facts Live, as well as UK stars Ed Gamble, Fiona Allen, Fascinating Aïda, Stewart Lee, Luisa Omielan, Sikisia, Sam Campbell and many more.
2024 will mark GICF’s 21st birthday with the festival bringing world class comedy to Glasgow through traditional stand-up, live podcasts, musicals, character comedy, storytelling, clowning, improv, theatre and even comedy wrestling.
Excited
The 19 days of the festival are set to one its biggest yet.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “We’re excited to reveal Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s biggest programme yet with 500 shows taking over the city this spring, bringing the very best of Scottish, UK and international comedy to the city’s doorsteps.
“The festival firmly believes that Glasgow is the funniest city in the world and we’re thrilled to showcase that with a brilliant mix of headline names and rising stars performing across our venues in March.
"The festival strives to make sure comedy is open to anyone and everyone which is why this year we've introduced a completely free 'Introduction to Comedy' course for women and marginalised genders.
“Led by the hilarious and talented Viv Gee, the 6-week course will serve as a basic introduction to stand-up, aiming to boost confidence and encourage a more diverse new generation of talent to enter the wonderful world of comedy.
“Comedy is such an integral part of Glasgow’s DNA - from conversations with strangers on a night out to some of the world’s greatest comedians, comedy plays a vital role in our city’s cultural identity.”
The festival firmly believes that Glasgow is the funniest city in the world and we’re thrilled to showcase that with a brilliant mix of headline names and rising stars performing across our venues in March.
Krista MacDonald
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “As a much-anticipated annual highlight of our culturally rich events calendar, Glasgow International Comedy Festival celebrates the city’s famous appreciation of humour.
“The event is hugely popular with a broad range of audiences, and attracts the very best in established and emerging talent in comedy – and that’s testament not only to Glasgow’s reputation as a major player on the worldwide comedy stage but also its international renown as a great destination for entertainment.”
Elaine C Smith said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival which has become a huge part of Glasgow’s major events calendar.
“This city and its people know how to laugh and to make each other laugh, so I’m delighted to be a part of what promises to be a great time for Glasgow.”
Frank Skinner said: “I'm very excited to bring my show, 30 Years of Dirt, to Glasgow. It's a fabulous mix of smart, filthy and hilarious. And so is my show.”
GICF highlights include:
- Scottish favourite and recent ‘Live at the Apollo’ star Susie McCabe’s brand new show ‘The Merchant of Menace’
- Off Menu podcast host and Taskmaster champion Ed Gamble
- Solo shows from Two Doors Down stars Kieran Hodgson and Elaine C Smith
- Chris Forbes tells the tale of his almost superstar status as a basketballer
- Aunt Hilda herself Caroline Rhea will enchant audiences
- Frank Skinner brings the critically acclaimed ‘30 Years of Dirt’ to Glasgow following a total sell-out at Edinburgh Fringe
- Mark Nelson’s biggest Scottish show yet
- Solo shows for TikTok stars Zara Gladman and James Gardner
- Some Laugh Live’s biggest live show yet featuring some very special guests; the internet’s naughtiest, funniest and cringiest confessions will be revealed at Glasgow’s first ever Fesshole live
- A show dedicated to one of Scotland’s most vital exports with Scott Agnew’s Square Sausage Show celebrating the life, times and lore of the Lorne…
- The festival’s first ever comedy wrestling show with Insane Championship Wrestling
- family fun at Kids Comedy Club
- Special live recording of Jay Lafferty’s critically acclaimed show Bahookie
- Taskmaster champion Sam Campbell
- Smack the Pony’s very own Fiona Allen
- a hometown show for Frankie Boyle’s UK tour
More than 45 venues will host Glasgow International Comedy Festival events with shows in Blackfriars, Drygate, King’s Theatre, The Garage, The Glad Cafe, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Science Centre, The Glee Club, McChuills, O2 Academy, Oran Mor, Saint Luke’s and the Winged Ox, Sloans, The Stand Comedy Club, Van Winkle West End, August House and more.
