2024 shortlist announced for Sir Billy Connolly Award at Glasgow International Comedy Festival

The winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award will be announced at GICF's Comedy Gala on Saturday 30th March at the city's King's Theatre!

Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 15 March 2024 9:39

The biggest ever Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) in the event’s history has officially kicked off, with over 560 shows set to take place across the next 17 days as the Festival also announces 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award Shortlist.

Acts including Raymond Mearns, Susie McCabe, Zara Gladman and more are now in the running to win the prestigious prize, plus more top comedians like Craig Hill, Susan Riddell and Luisa Omielan are announced to perform at the Festival’s Comedy Gala.

2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award Shortlist:
Craig Hill
Raymond Mearns
Rosco McClelland
Susan Riddell
Susie McCabe
Zara Gladman

A mainstay of Scotland’s comedy scene, Craig Hill’s uproarious live shows have kept audiences laughing for over 25 years with countless sold out Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs and shows around the world under his belt.

Glaswegian comedian and one of the country’s top stand-up performers for the last 15 years, Raymond Mearns is on the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Shortlist for the first time, as the beloved ‘Godfather of Comedy’ is recognised for his huge contribution to Scotland’s comedy scene.

Previously winning Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2016, Rosco McClelland has made a name for himself as a sure-fire hit at comedy clubs around the world as well as appearing in the top 1% of Twitch streamers in the world, whilst fellow Glasgow comic Susan Riddell also makes her debut on the Shortlist, making a name for herself in stand-up as well as with writing credits on Scot Squad and online sketches reaching over 30 million views.

One of Scotland’s most successful comedy exports, Susie McCabe is Shortlisted for 2024, in the midst of a record run of her brand new show at GICF. Having supported the likes of Kevin Bridges and John Bishop on tour, Susie’s recent Live at the Apollo appearance cemented her as one of UK comedy’s biggest names.

Rounding off 2024’s Shortlist is newcomer Zara Gladman, with two sold out shows at this year’s GICF after finding an audience online with her witty takes on Glasgow’s ‘West End Mum’.

2024’s esteemed judging panel for the Sir Billy Conolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, made up of Scottish comedians, artists, journalists and more, narrowed down this year’s applications to a Shortlist of six. Judges included 2023 award winner Janey Godley, Barbie star Sharon Rooney, legendary comic Jonathan Watson, STV News presenter Laura Boyd, actor Tony Curran, Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and more. The panel reviewed applications from GICF acts, venues and promoters to curate a Shortlist, before they will make a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly himself who will ultimately choose the final winner.

In addition to the highly-anticipated winner announcement, GICF’s Comedy Gala will also see the very best of the fest perform on the mixed bill, with new additions to the line-up including: Billy Kirkwood, Craig Hill, Jin-Hao Li, Luisa Omielan, Rosco McClelland and Susan Riddell. These acts will join some of Scotland’s most well known comics like 2023’s award winner Janey Godley, Raymond Mearns, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Stuart McPherson, Zara Gladman and host Susie McCabe to entertain the crowd at Glasgow’s iconic King’s Theatre.

As one of Glasgow’s most renowned cultural events officially kicked off this week on Wednesday 13th March, GICF has already seen performances and sold out shows from the likes of Maisie Adam, Vittorio Angelone, Fascinating Aïda, Fiona Allen, Sam Campbell and more.

Thousands of comedy fans descended upon venues in the festival’s opening few days, including Oran Mor in the city’s West End, the King’s Theatre, The Stand Comedy Club, McChuills and many more. GICF offers a range of live comedy from traditional stand-up to live podcasts, musical comedy, theatre, kids shows, clowning and more, meaning there is something for every type of comedy fan at this year’s event. GICF’s upcoming opening weekend includes a mammoth three-show run at the King’s from hometown hero Susie McCabe, a sold out show from Craig Hill plus solo shows from Tamsyn Kelly, Elliot Steel, Caroline Rhea and even the Festival’s first ever comedy wrestling show with ICW’s The Great Glesga’ Bash.

Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “We’re thrilled to open the metaphorical doors of this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival as it officially gets underway in more than 50 venues across the city. As we celebrate 21 years of the Festival, it’s fitting that we do so with the event’s biggest year ever - with over 560 comedy shows set to take place across 19 days. Over the next few weeks Glasgow will showcase exactly why we think it’s the funniest city in the world as locals and visitors alike are entertained by some of the very best comics around. We hope to see old friends old and new out and about at GICF shows celebrating our thriving comedy scene.

“Plus, a huge congratulations to this year’s Sir Billy Conolly Spirit of Glasgow Award Shortlist - the calibre of entries was outstanding so it’s a real achievement to be recognised in this way. We’re looking forward to celebrating the Shortlist and final winner at this year’s Comedy Gala.”

Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “The exciting shortlist of finalists for this prestigious award emphasises the wealth of outstanding home-grown talent appearing at this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival – which has a dynamic, packed programme and a fantastic line-up of acts.

“Honouring the city’s beloved comedy maestro, The Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award not only recognises the best in the business, it also reflects Glasgow’s great appreciation of comedy genius and the importance of humour in our lives. Our city and its people are renowned for their love of quick wit and banter, so Glasgow has a well-deserved reputation as a headline name on the worldwide comedy stage and a fabulous destination for fun-filled entertainment.”

Taking place from 13th - 31st March 2024, GICF will welcome international comedians, rising Scottish talent and the very best of live comedy to 50 venues across the city. Some of the UK’s biggest comics will perform including Frank Skinner, Ed Gamble, Kieran Hodgson, All Killa No Filla and more, alongside homegrown talent like Susie McCabe, Craig Hill and Mark Nelson and international acts including Caroline Rhea and Leslie Liao. 2024 marks GICF’s 21st birthday, as well as the festival’s biggest ever year - Glaswegians can enjoy over 560 shows from live podcasts, traditional stand-up, musical comedy, theatre and more.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival takes place across the city, with shows in Drygate, King’s Theatre, The Garage, The Stand Comedy Club, The Glad Cafe, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Science Centre, Blackfriars, The Glee Club, Drygate, McChuills, O2 Academy, Oran Mor, Saint Luke’s and the Winged Ox, Van Winkle West End & Barrowlands, August House and more.

Tickets are on sale at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

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

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.