Janey keeps the Glasgow spirit of comedy burning

Glasgow has been celebrating the city's biggest ever Glasgow International Comedy Festival this month with more than 560 shows as the event marks its 21st birthday.

From the King's Theatre to The Stand Comedy Club, fans have enjoyed shows from the likes of Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe, Krystal Evans, Reginald D Hunter and more.

As one of Glasgow’s most renowned cultural events officially kicked off on 13 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 others.

And there are more to look forward to before the event finally closes on Easter Sunday.

The GICF welcome international comedians and rising Scottish talent and the very best of live comedy in 50 venues across the city.

Some of the UK’s biggest comics performed, including Frank Skinner, Stewart Lee, Ed Gamble and Kieran Hodgson with All Killa No Filla on this Saturday night, a podcast with comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri-Pritchard McLean as they explore their shared passion for serial killers.

Other shows that sold out were Kathleen Hughes, on this year's Gilded Balloon Fringe line-up and Caroline Rhea, Aunt Hilda in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which followed a hugely successful mini-tour of Scotland the Gilded Balloon toured.

A particular highlight was a mammoth three-show run for Susie McCabe at the King's Theatre, with rave reviews for her new show 'Merchant of Menace', and two sold out shows from social media star and newcomer Zara Gladman.

This year, GICF created an Introduction to Comedy Course for women and marginalised genders, run by the talented Viv Gee, which culminated in a live show following six weeks of classes.

GICF's Comedy Gala will celebrate the very best of the Festival on Saturday afternoon at The Glasgow King’s Theatre, hosted by Susie McCabe with sets from Raymond Mearns, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Craig Hill, Luisa Omielan, Elaine C Smith and more.

At the end of the Gala there will be the announcement of the winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award following a performance from 2023's award winner, Janey Godley (pictured).

This year's six-strong Shortlist includes Craig Hill, Zara Gladman, Susan Riddell, Rosco McLelland, Susie McCabe and Raymond Mearns, so it's a fierce competition for the final prize.