Glasgow International Comedy Festival has begun!

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has begun, and continues for eighteen laughter-packed days until Sunday 27 March.

Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 10 March 2016 18:10

Highlights of the first day of the Festival include Sean Hughes, Alun Cochrane, Chris Martin and late night comedy with The Festival Club at The Stand. The opening weekend features Dylan Moran, Kai Humphries, Bobby Mair, Abigoliah Schamaun, Michael Redmond’s Sunday Service, lunchtime comedy and pizza at Yesbar and Bob Slayer’s award-winning double decker Blundabus pulling up for a residency at Candleriggs, where a ticket to ride might get you comedians playing Hungry Hippos, storytelling and gossip, or the genius of Phil Kay.

There is a bumper GICF line-up for 2016 - critically-acclaimed stand up from Frankie Boyle at the Clyde Auditorium; character comedy from Scot Squad’s Grado and Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson, both appearing live at the Kings Theatre; Greg Proops recording his The Smartest Man In The World podcast; and a night with the QI Elves.

Headline acts and household names set to perform include Reginald D Hunter, Bridget Christie, Adam Hills, Paul Merton, Ardal O'Hanlon, Julian Clary, Rob Delaney, Jenny Eclair, Jerry Sadowitz, Russell Kane, Mark Watson and Richard Herring.

Local stars Des Clarke, Daniel Sloss, Craig Hill, Mark Nelson, Gary Little, and Janey Godley are lined up alongside rising talents from Scotland’s creative comedy scene - with collective Chunks taking over The Griffin, plus shows from Fern Brady, Ashley Storrie, Darren Connell, Chris Forbes and Jamie Dalgleish.

Appearances from acclaimed performers from across the UK include Shappi Khorsandi, Paul Sinha, Mark Steel, Paul Foot, Rob Beckett, and Chris Ramsey.

The Festival has earned a reputation for its strong selection of international acts, this year bringing Will Franken, Scott Capurro, John Hastings and Jena Friedman to the city, while American Stands Up! introduces some of the most exciting comedians working in the States right now in what is always a sell-out showcase.

As well as large scale stand up and intimate gigs in pubs, GICF presents film screenings at the Govanhill Baths and the Grosvenor Café; solo shows from Scott Gibson and Alan Bissett at the Tron; comedy for kids at The Stand Comedy Club and the Citizens Theatre; and discussions on comedy, women, feminism and more with Standard Issue.

Events take place every day throughout the Festival including sketch shows, plays, lunchtime comedy, and late night Festival clubs. Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

Sarah Watson, Glasgow International Comedy Festival Director, said: “We’re very proud to announce what I think is our best line-up yet, and look forward to taking over the city for eighteen comedy-packed days. We always want to bring our audiences something different and exciting - it’s great that we are working with new venues like Saint Luke’s, debuting brand new shows like Uncles from the creators of Burnistoun, and bringing top class acts to the city, some of whom are visiting for the first time.”

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is supported by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland and recently won Best Large Festival at the Scottish Event Awards.

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “It’s an exciting time in Glasgow as the curtain openS on the 14th annual Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Some of the biggest – and funniest – performers in the world have graced stages across the city over the years; and this year’s line-up will be no exception.

“The 2016 programme will offer an eclectic range of talented performers, reaffirming Glasgow’s prominent position on the global comedy circuit with audiences expected from home and abroad.

“Recently Glasgow was named by global travel magazine National Geographic Traveler as one of its 20 ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2016; and was voted World’s Friendliest City in 2014 by travel publication Rough Guides – we continue to be recognised the world over for our iconic hospitality and good humour.

“This year’s festival will sport home-grown comic talent and a plethora of leading international acts. More than 420 shows across 40 venues over 18 laughter-filled days are set to take centre stage. I hope everyone who attends the Glasgow International Comedy Festival has a fantastic time.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Glasgow International Comedy Festival has been bringing together world-class performers and top local talent for many years and we are delighted to support the event in 2016. The festival programme for this year is stronger than ever and we look forward to seeing thousands of spectators turn out at venues across the city in March.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news by registering at glasgowcomedyfestival.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @glasgowcomedy.