Over 500 shows at Glasgow Comedy Festival 2020

Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival 14 - 31 March 2019

The 2020 Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which is due to take place between 12 - 29 March, will feature over 500 shows across 60 venues.

The eighteen-day "comedy extravaganza" features international stars Trevor Noah, Steve Martin and Martin Short at the city's SSE Hydro arena, and performances from comedy stars including Jimmy Carr, John Shuttleworth, Dane Baptiste, Arabella Weir, Stewart Lee and Fascinating Aida.

The festival says: "It's a bumper year for home grown talent with Janey Godley, Susie McCabe, Jim Smith and Jerry Sadowitz all gracing the stage of the King's Theatre. Other top Scottish acts appearing across the festival include Rob Florence and Iain Connell in Uncles at the Tramway, Craig Hill, Phil Differ, Fern Brady and Alan Bissett at Oran Mor, Frankie Boyle at The Stand, Elaine C Smith at Oran Mor, Phil Kay at Blackfriars, Darren Connell at The Stand, and Des Clarke at The Garage."

Fern Brady. Copyright: James Robertson

The organisers add: "Comedy fans on the look out for critically acclaimed stand-up can catch rising stars at a series of specially programmed venue takeovers. At the Old Hairdressers, Berk's Nest present a line up including Desiree Burch, Jordan Brookes, Mawaan Rizwan, Sophie Duker; and Gilded Balloon are bringing Jayde Adams, Micky Overman and more. ARG are popping up in Blue Arrow and the Hug & Pint with a line up that features Evelyn Mok, Mat Ewins, Adam Hess and Annie McGrath. Local cult favourites CHUNKS descend on the State Bar promising Richard Brown, Planet Caramel, David Callaghan, and a gender-swapped live read of the screenplay to the 1995 Paul Verhoeven film Showgirls."

The festival's programme, which has now been revealed in full, also features plays, improv shows, films and a kids section. This year's theatre line up includes a brand new play from Chris McQueer at The Tron; Jason Manford in whodunnit Curtains at the King's; and A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Oran Mor. Families can head to the Tall Ship, the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, and The Stand to catch laughs for little ones.

Other shows offering something a little bit unusual include a dog-friendly comedy club at Drygate; Hoppy Days - beer tasting with comedy; Ray Bradshaw signing his show in BSL live as he performs; a drag parody of First Wives Club; and a special free show of dementia-friendly comedy at the Fred Paton Day Care Centre.

Ray Bradshaw. Copyright: Steve Ullathorne

Festival director Sarah Watson comments: "We're so excited to launch GICF 2020 with our biggest and most international programme to date. To have a comedy icon like Steve Martin performing at the event with Martin Short is just amazing, but to also feature Trevor Noah in the same year - well it's just a dream come true. They'll set the tone for the festival's eighteenth year as we welcome performers from all over the world, while also shining a spotlight on all the incredible Scottish talent that can be found in Glasgow in March."

The festival is sponsored by Whisky manufacturers Whyte & Mackay. Ruairi Perry from the brewery says: "For the 3rd year running it is an absolute pleasure to partner with the Glasgow International Comedy Festival! We've had a very busy year as a brand, having celebrated our 175th year by launching our new look smoother bottle and also a 'lighter spirit drink' at 21.5% ABV - ideal for those looking for a brilliant tasting spirit but with lower alcohol. There's nothing light about the programme for this year's festival - it's packed again with top class acts from Scotland and around the world. It is amazing to see record number of venues involved across the city in 2020 with a fantastic blend of new talent and household favourites on offer. As a whisky born and bred in Glasgow, we are very proud that festival goers will be enjoying a dram or 2 of Whyte & Mackay whilst enjoying a great laugh & night out. Slàinte!"

David McDonald from Glasgow City Council adds: "Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival is always a keenly anticipated highlight of the city's cultural calendar and this year the programme is guaranteed to be hugely popular. Glasgow has produced some of the finest comedians who have ever taken to the stage and has welcomed some legendary performers and this year the Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival ensures that legacy continues."

Published: Wednesday 8th January 2020

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