Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces huge line up for 21st birthday celebrations

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced its return with huge headliners set to once again transform Glasgow into the 'funniest city in the world' from 13th - 31st March 2024!

Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 16 November 2023 12:06

With 160 shows already confirmed, the festival will welcome top comedians for its 21st year including: Susie McCabe, Ed Gamble, Frankie Boyle, Fascinating Aïda, Stewart Lee, Mark Nelson, Zara Gladman, Vittorio Angelone, Connor Burns, Jay Lafferty, Reginald D.Hunter and many more.

Today, Two Doors Down star Elaine C Smith has also been added to the bill for a solo stand-up show; the debut run will see the iconic actress look back at the best, and worst times, of her life and career from over 40 years in show business.

There is no shortage of phenomenal acts set to descend on Glasgow next spring from; traditional stand-up, live podcasts, musicals, character comedy, storytelling, clowning, improv, theatre and more.

The 2024 festival will also see several popular podcasts take to the stage with live shows including Glasgow’s own Some Laugh Live, Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Podcast and football podcast Old Firm Facts for its first ever live show.

And organisers say there is even more to come for Scotland’s biggest dedicated comedy festival as it is set to celebrate 21 years of keeping Glasgow laughing.

Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “The 2023 festival was outstanding, but it’s already looking like 2024 is going to be bigger and better. We still have some incredibly exciting headline shows to announce plus hundreds of shows in smaller venues so I am fully anticipating to have more than 500 events in 2024’s festival - which will make it one of the biggest yet.

“We can’t wait to celebrate Glasgow as the funniest city in the world for 19 days of non-stop laughter, excellent comedy and the city’s famous community spirit. We’re delighted to welcome so many new venues and acts this year so stay tuned - it’s going to be a festival to remember!”

2023’s festival saw 450 events take place in 40 locations across the city, with next year’s edition aiming to expand on this with unique new venues and big names set to be revealed.

Over 50 venues have currently registered to host Glasgow International Comedy Festival events with shows already confirmed in The King’s Theatre, Oran Mor, The Stand Comedy Club, Blackfriars, The Garage, The Glee Club, Van Winkle West End, Drygate, Saint Luke’s and the Winged Ox, and August House.

As always there will be an international flavour to the 2024 programme, with acts already confirmed from the likes of the USA, Canada, France and Spain.

With the act registration deadline for inclusion in the annual printed festival guide on the 30th November, there is still plenty of time for more shows to be added to an exciting and diverse programme. Acts and venues can register now via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, commented: “A much-loved highlight of the city’s rich cultural events calendar, Glasgow International Comedy Festival has grown in scale and reputation over the years to become Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival. It is renowned for showcasing a fantastic and diverse range of established and emerging comic talent, and offering a great variety of options, from traditional stand-up comedy to improv, magic, musical and drag shows.

“Last year’s festival – which featured more than 400 shows staged at over 40 venues – was hugely successful, and GICF 2024 is gearing up to make an even bigger impact. The outstanding acts confirmed already for the dynamic programme planned will delight audiences from near and far, so we look forward to welcoming everyone in March as the stage curtains rise for some superb fun-filled entertainment.”

2024 festival tickets are on sale at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com with the full festival launch in early January.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.