Sir Billy Connolly Award Shortlist revealed as GICF kicks off across city
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the Shortlist for 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award as the festival kicks off!
Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 14 March 2025 8:57
Craig Hill, Kim Blythe, Paul Black, Rosco McClelland and more are in the running to win the Festival’s only award, with the winner unveiled at the GICF Comedy Gala on the event’s final day, as chosen by the Big Yin himself.
2025’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award Shortlist is:
Craig Hill ★ Kim Blythe ★ Marjolein Robertson ★ Paul Black ★ Rosco McClelland ★ Scott Agnew ★ Viv Gee
The GICF Comedy Gala takes place on Sunday 30th March at the city’s King’s Theatre - tickets on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
This year, seven acts were selected for the Shortlist, as opposed to the usual six, due to the standard of applications.
A mainstay of Scotland’s comedy scene for over 20 years, East Kilbride’s own Craig Hill is Shortlisted this year, following his riotous shows which have sold out countless Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs, showcasing his razor-sharp wit and unrivalled audience interactions.
Glaswegian comedian Kim Blythe stormed onto the scene with viral online sketches about everyday life before going on to perform two sold out shows at GICF in her very first year and taking part in the Festival’s first ever Introduction to Comedy Course in 2024.
Shetland comedian Marjolein Robertson took her storytelling comedy to new heights during lockdown, and has entertained audiences throughout the UK with her comedy folktales and a hit trilogy of rave-reviewed shows.
Glasgow comic Paul Black is one of TikTok’s biggest stars and will this year perform his hugely successful sketch show at the King’s Theatre, having moved from online comedy to hilarious live shows and cementing himself as one of the country’s most exciting rising stars.
With one of 2024’s top reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rosco McClelland has grown into one of the comedy industry’s best performing comedians, after kicking off his career by winning Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2016.
Glaswegian comic Scott Agnew is also Shortlisted, having written his debut BBC Radio 4 series ‘Dead Man Talking’ last year, following a career which has seen him perform comedy for over 24 years.
Rounding off the Shortlist; Viv Gee is a comedian and stand-up comedy teacher, who has shaped the careers of stars from Richard Gadd to Susie McCabe and teaches the GICF Introduction to Comedy Course each year, proving an unparalleled commitment to Scottish comedy.
The 2025 Shortlist was chosen by a panel of judges from across Scotland’s cultural spheres, including Emmy award winning actor, author and Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre Alan Cumming; entertainment journalist Laura Boyd; actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli and 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award winner Susie McCabe, and more.
Applications were open to anyone involved in this year’s GICF - from comedians themselves, promoters, managers and venue staff. The judging panel reviewed all applications and curated a shortlist, making a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly himself, who ultimately chooses the final winner.
Previous winners include Janey Godley (2023) and Susie McCabe (2024), with Susie McCabe set to present this year’s award at the Comedy Gala.
One of Glasgow’s biggest events in the cultural calendar, GICF kicked off on Wednesday 12th March with shows across the city including a ‘Bring Your Own Baby’ comedy show at Van Winkle Barrowlands for parents and kids alike, Matt Forde’s ‘End of an Era’ tour, Robin Grainger at The Stand and more.
GICF headliners include this weekend’s Connor Burns and Jimeoin performances at the King’s Theatre, plus comedy shows at the Barrowland Ballroom with Northern Irish comic Paddy McDonnell and homegrown hero Larry Dean playing the iconic East End stage, as well as a St Patrick’s Day special at The Stand. Over the next two weeks, shows including Here Comes the Guillotine’s live podcast show, Marjolein Robertson, Paul Black, Darren Connell, Material Girl and more will perform as part of over 550 shows at the Festival.
The event encompasses every genre of comedy with special family friendly shows taking place at The Stand from ‘Kidocracy’ where the kids are in charge, Gary Dunn’s ‘Krazy Kerfuffle’ combining magic and laughter, or science teacher and stand-up comic Stephen Halkett’s ‘Save the Planet’ kid show. For more traditional stand-up, comedy fans can see some of the UK’s biggest acts from Russell Kane to Susie McCabe, or check out stars on the rise at The Old Hairdresser’s on 29th March with Work in Progress shows from new comics Kyrah Gray, Peter Rethinasamy and more.
GICF runs until Sunday 30th March, culminating in the GICF Comedy Gala which will see the very best of the festival perform at the King’s Theatre, before crowning 2025’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award winner.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “A massive congratulations from the team at GICF to this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Award Shortlist - it’s an outstanding achievement to make it onto the seven-strong list amidst some fierce competition. It’s an honour for the Festival to have Sir Billy Connolly involved in this way and the Award recognises the very specific Glaswegian humour, warmth and resilience that the Big Yin is so beloved for.
“It’s exciting to see this year’s event get underway in so many fantastic venues already - from iconic comedy clubs like The Stand and Blackfriars to some of the more unique venues we have this year including the famous Barrowland Ballroom. Over the next few weeks, Glasgow will have its world renowned humour on full display as we welcome comics from near and far to entertain the city and showcase exactly why it’s the funniest city in the world.”
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. The 2025 edition of GICF runs as part of Glasgow’s 850 celebrations in 2025.
2025 festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street
A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORE
Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links