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
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
The festive knockout you can not miss at Oran Mor!
This December, Glasgow's Oran Mor premieres Morag Fullarton's new theatre production, 'It's a Wonderful Life... Mostly'.
READ MORE
10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort serves up a slice of Home Alone magic with year long cheese pizza competition
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.
READ MORE
Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links