Are you ready for Festival laughter?
Top funny men and women taking to the mic for 2019 event
GLASGOW’S top comedy event of the year kicked off on Tuesday night at the Stand Comedy Club.
The night saw 16 comedians take to the stage with a packed-out crowd to launch the Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
Covering everything from soup and loneliness, Brexit, and the perils of teaching Glasgow school kids, the launch showcased some of Scotland’s top comedy talent.
Of those comedians plugging their shows, it saw double award-winner Stephen Buchanan, and Stand favourite JoJo Sutherland play to a packed venue.
The raucous crowd saw quickfire sets from the 16 comics, many of whom had made the most of their complimentary bottles of Whyte & Mackay.
Comedian Billy Kirkwood said: “It was wonderful to see the place packed with so many people from different outlets and backgrounds feeding into the fest.”
Kathleen Hutchison, an independent TV producer said: “Wow. What a fantastic night! Local talent is thriving! Can’t wait to see lots of shows in March.”
Comedian Phil Differ said: “I had a smashing time. Great to catch up with so many pals.”
With many shows at the festival taking place after Scotland leaves the EU, Brexit was well and truly on the agenda. One punter who worked at the Home Office recieved a frosty reception from the crowd.
Sarah Watson, the festival director, said: “The festival launch is always a brilliant party – the drinks and laughs were flowing and it’s always great to have some of Glasgow’s funniest people in a room together – the local support for the festival is amazing and we can’t wait to bring even more laughs to the city in March.”
The festival will take place from 14-31 March, with 500 shows at 56 venues across the city, and more than 106,000 tickets on sale.
As well as shows from international comedy stars such as Rich Hall, and Reginald D Hunter, the festival will see local favourites Limmy and Des Clarke.
Limmy, who will be doing four shows at Òran Mór will be introducing his autobiography Surprisingly Down to Earth, and Very Funny which is due out in February.
Also making an appearance will be comedy stalwarts such as Jasper Carrott, Julian Clary and Jerry Sadowitz.
Sarah Watson, Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival Director, said: “Whether you’re a dedicated comedy fan seeking out the next big thing, or you’re thinking of catching some live stand up for the very first time we’ve got some great shows for you this year.
“It’s brilliant to see venues like The Old Hairdressers, The Bungo, Vacant Space and Yes Bar really get behind the festival with comprehensive programmes and a huge variety of shows across our run. Let’s face it, good news might be in short supply come late March, so GICF is hoping
to provide a valuable public service by giving everyone something to laugh about for a few weeks at least!”
On top of the comedy line up, the festival will also include special showings of Trainspotting and Gregory’s Girl at Sloans.
There will also be something for hip-hop fans as CHUNKS collective perform ‘An Indeterminate Amount of Comedians Attempt to Perform 1993’s Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers) in Full Live’ at The State Bar.
Ruairi Perry, head of Blended Whisky Brands at Whyte & Mackay, said: “In 2019, we proudly celebrate 175 years of Whyte & Mackay. We’re delighted to start our birthday year celebrations by partnering with the biggest comedy festival in Europethe Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2019. Let’s raise a dram to toast the biggest and best year yet! Slàinte mhòr.”
The event, which is one of the highlights of the year for the arts in Glasgow, is now in its seventeen year and has helped shape the careers of the country’s best comics in recent years.
Councillor David McDonald, Chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “Looking at the line-up for the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, you get a strong sense of the range of exceptional talent that will be appearing in the city in March 2019.
“Having so many local comedians among the headliners makes this festival so special and I am looking forward to some great nights out and some unforgettable performances. Whether you are enjoying the latest tour from one of your favourite acts or setting out to discover the stars of the future, we are all in for a great 18 days of comedy.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “The festival promises to be another great event this year. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and the strength of the 2019 GICF programme is testament to that fact, with a variety of shows and venues, as well as big comedy acts and local talent there is undoubtedly something for everyone at the festival.”