The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Skinner, Rhea and Smith among stars at comedy festival
Frank Skinner, Caroline Rhea and Elaine C Smith are in the line-up for a comedy festival in the “funniest city in the world”, organisers have announced.
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival will feature more than 500 events in 45 venues over 19 days in March.
Two Doors Down star Kieran Hodgson is among those who will be appearing, as will Frankie Boyle, Mark Nelson and recent Live At The Apollo star Susie McCabe.
The winner of the festival’s only official award, the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, will be revealed at the closing comedy gala.
Sir Billy will choose the ultimate winner from a shortlist selected by an independent panel of judges.
Speaking as the programme was unveiled at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow yesterday, Smith said: “I’m delighted to be back at the King’s Theatre, which feels like my second home after the last few weeks in panto there.
“But this time I’m returning with my new show, 65.
“This city and its people know how to laugh and to make each other laugh.”
Hodgson will also be performing at The King’s.
He said: “Glasgow has been kind enough to let me make a home here, and I can’t wait to repay the hospitality by making an absolute bampot of myself in one of its most prestigious venues.
“Big In Scotland is a love letter to this great city.”
Skinner said he is “very excited” to bring his show, 30 Years Of Dirt, to the city, while McCabe said she is “absolutely delighted” to be back.
Rhea, known for her role as Aunt Hilda in the series Sabrina The Teenage Witch, will bring her show I Identify As A Witch to Oran Mor, and said she is “thrilled” to return to Scotland.
The festival, celebrating its 21st birthday this year, will feature everything from traditional stand-up, live podcasts, musicals, character comedy, storytelling, clowning, improv and theatre to comedy wrestling.
New for 2024 is a free introduction to comedy course for women and marginalised genders, led by Viv Gee, with the aim of ensuring comedy in Glasgow is open to everyone.
Festival director Krista MacDonald said: “The festival firmly believes that Glasgow is the funniest city in the world and we’re thrilled to showcase that.”
The festival runs from March 13 to 31.
For details visit glasgowcomedyfestival. com