Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!

Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 12 February 2025 9:28

With only one month to go until Scotland’s largest comedy festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) have today revealed 2025’s judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year’s Comedy Gala, where the award winner will be announced live on stage. This year’s judges include Alan Cumming, Greg Hemphill, Cassi Gillespie, Sanjeev Kohli and more, whilst the Gala line-up will feature Susie McCabe, Kim Blythe, Ayo Adenekan and more.

Tickets for GICF Comedy Gala on Sunday 30th March available now via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

GICF’s Comedy Gala will see Scotland’s top comedians gather at the King’s Theatre on the final day of the festival at 2pm on Sunday 30th March, with a mixed bill line-up showcasing rising stars alongside legends of the scene, before unveiling the winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. The Gala will spotlight the very best of the fest, with a special set from last year’s winner of the award, Susie McCabe.

2025’s judging panel will review this year’s applications and curate a shortlist for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, making a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly himself, who will ultimately choose the final winner.

Applications were submitted from GICF acts, venues and promoters, now set to be whittled down to a shortlist of only six by the judges, with the shortlist set to be announced in the opening days of the festival.

The judging panel includes a range of personalities from across Scotland’s creative industries including: Emmy award winning actor, author and Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre Alan Cumming; Clyde 1 radio presenter and DJ Cassi Gilespie; co-creator of one of Scotland’s most successful sitcoms, Still Game, Greg Hemphill; entertainment journalist Laura Boyd; actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli and 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award winner Susie McCabe.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren also joins the judging panel alongside: Aarti Joshi (Go Radio), Gregor Kyle (The Herald), Laura Marks (Channel 4) and Norry Wilson (Lost Glasgow).

Alan Cumming said: “I'm thrilled to be part of the judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award this year. Comedy is such an integral part of Scotland's cultural identity, and the Big Yin made sure we always punched above our weight in that respect - one of many ways he continues to influence us all to this very day. Good luck to this year's applicants!”

Greg Hemphill said: “I cannot wait to help judge this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Glasgow is an ever changing city and amazing new and unique comic voices are forever popping up like dandelions with their own takes on life. I am excited to see what’s out there!”

The award recognises a person, not a show, meaning any GICF performers, venue staff, promoters or anyone otherwise involved in this year’s festival can apply. Applicants do not have to be from Glasgow or live in Glasgow, but instead must embody the Spirit of Glasgow as defined by the award criteria.

On the festival’s final day, this year’s Spirit of Glasgow Shortlist will be celebrated alongside the very best of the fest, with the King’s Theatre audience treated to an afternoon of the finest stand-up. Rising star Kim Blythe is set to perform at GICF’s Comedy Gala for the first time, following her two sold out shows in the festival and a growing following on social media with viral videos aplenty. Plus, 2024 So You Think You’re Funny alumni including winner Alana Jackson and runner up Ayo Adenekan, as well as hip-hop comedian MC Hammersmith who will entertain the crowd with his freestyle rap comedy. 2024’s Spirit of Glasgow winner Susie McCabe will close out proceedings with a special stand-up set, before presenting the award to 2025’s winner.

With just 4 weeks to go until GICF takes over the city with over 550 shows, there’s something for everyone from 12th - 30th March, with headline performances from the likes of Larry Dean, Fern Brady, Jenny Eclair, Russell Kane, Paul Black and some of comedy’s brightest rising stars including Gearóid Farrelly, Alana Jackson, Dee Allum, Connor Burns and more.

Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “We are honoured to once again be working with Sir Billy Connolly for the third year in a row to present GICF’s only award - the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Our city is renowned for its unique sense of humour and each year, the calibre of award applications shows us why Glasgow’s comedy scene consistently produces some of the world’s very best comedians. It’s going to be a difficult job for this year’s judges, but we’re looking forward to revealing 2025’s winner live on stage at the GICF Comedy Gala in front of a packed King’s Theatre.”

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.

2025 festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

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

Latest Glasgow News

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.

Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.

Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.

Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.

Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

Neon-lit retro arcade bar, NQ64 is celebrating its third birthday with a brand new Bottomless Gaming challenge, inventive cocktails and expanded daytime operating hours!

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Team 'BamBrew' from Shawlands Academy have been announced as the winners of the 2025 'Made in Glasgow' enterprise challenge.

20 Glasgow businesses shortlisted in the British Business Awards

20 Glasgow based companies are among the 143 from across the UK now vying for the top spot at the British Business Awards!

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

Fever presents The First Round: A one of a kind experience to meet new people

An exclusive dining experience comes to Glasgow, where great food and meaningful connections come together through a unique pairing algorithm to expand social circles.

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

Glasgow Fort to host fundraiser for local charity

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with its charity partner, Simba, to launch a fundraiser to support families ahead of Mother's Day.

People might make Glasgow but can they beat a top stand up comic at his own game

Partnering with Glasgow International Comedy Festival, First Bus is offering free bus travel to ticketholders!

Buchanan Galleries announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Sign Language Week

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to team up with a pioneering new service, SignLive, to help support the deaf community and improve their experience.

Do you have memories from the old YWCA centres in Glasgow

The Young Women's Movement, formerly known as YWCA Scotland, is seeking stories from its 100-year history in Scotland, as part of an oral history project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.