Scots comic James Gardner offers early look at new Fringe show Jockney Rebel in Glasgow
One of Scotland's most talked-about comedy voices is returning to Glasgow this week for one night only.
Article Source: James Gardner
Last Updated: 29 July 2025 12:50
James Gardner, known for his razor-sharp writing and viral stand-up clips which have racked up more than 40 million views, will preview his brand-new Edinburgh Fringe show Jockney Rebel exclusively at The Social Hub on Wednesday 30 July.
The special preview gives Glasgow audiences a chance to see the show before its full Fringe run, with step-free access, easy public transport links and low-cost tickets designed to make live comedy more inclusive.
The one-hour set is James’ most personal yet, offering a sharp, honest and funny reflection on identity, growing up in the 90s, football loyalty and the realities of life in your 40s. Inspired by his move to London and a particularly lively group chat, the show explores how where you're from shapes who you are.
James said: “This is the funniest show I’ve done. It’s about the generation I grew up in, pre-smartphone, pre-social media, and how those experiences still define us.
“A lot of it came from this Friday football WhatsApp group I’m in in London. There’s about 200 people on it, mostly actors, and they’re all obsessed with football, but no one cared about Scottish football, not even Celtic v Rangers. I was baffled.”
That light-hearted dismissal of the SPFL sparked a deeper reflection on identity, something James said has become more meaningful with age.
“When you’re trying to make new friends in your 40s, you start thinking about what actually defines you, where you're from, what you value, even what team you support. That’s where this show comes from. It’s funny, but there’s a lot of truth in it too.”
The decision to preview the show in Glasgow, and at The Social Hub in particular, was a deliberate one.
Accessibility is especially close to home for James. His brother, Alexander, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, and has often found himself unable to attend comedy shows due to access issues, including some of James’ early performances. His previous show, Born in a Wheelchair, was inspired by their relationship.
“I love the Fringe, but it’s expensive for performers and punters. By the time you’ve paid for a train, a ticket, a drink and something to eat, it adds up.
“The Social Hub made total sense. It’s central, accessible, inclusive, and genuinely about community.”
That same sense of community has shaped James’ work in London, where he’s spent the past year curating Pints, Pies & Patter, a sell-out comedy night at The Shoap, an East London deli that’s become an unofficial home for the Scottish diaspora.
“I moved down just as The Shoap was opening and started going in for my roll and square sausage every week. There was already a Scottish community forming around it, and we thought, let’s do a comedy night. It took off really quickly. We've had acts like Michelle de Swarte, Red Richardson, Imran Yusuf, Alison Spittle. The response has been unreal.”
What’s surprised him most is how many non-Scots have embraced the shows. Even while performing in the capital, James hasn’t changed his material or softened his accent.
“We’ve had people visiting from Australia, Canada, America, and loads of English folk too.
“They come because they’ve been told to by Scottish friends or because they’re curious. And they get it. That’s what makes it feel like more than just another gig.”
Now 42, he feels more comfortable leaning into the messiness of life on stage.
“Being funny is still the job but I want to say something too. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve got flaws, and I think talking about them is relatable and liberating. That’s where the good stuff is.”
Jockney Rebel previews at The Social Hub Glasgow on Wednesday 30 July at 8pm.
Final tickets are available via Eventbrite
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