Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award shortlist 2024
The shortlist for 2024's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award has been announced. The award is tied to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which is running until 31st March.
The nominated acts are:
Talking about the acts, the festival says: "A mainstay of Scotland's comedy scene, Craig Hill's uproarious live shows have kept audiences laughing for over 25 years with countless sold out Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs and shows around the world under his belt.
"Glaswegian comedian and one of the country's top stand-up performers for the last 15 years, Raymond Mearns is on the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow shortlist for the first time, as the beloved 'Godfather of Comedy' is recognised for his huge contribution to Scotland's comedy scene.
"Previously winning Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2016, Rosco McClelland has made a name for himself as a sure-fire hit at comedy clubs around the world as well as appearing in the top 1% of Twitch streamers in the world, whilst fellow Glasgow comic Susan Riddell also makes her debut on the shortlist, making a name for herself in stand-up as well as with writing credits on Scot Squad and online sketches reaching over 30 million views.
"One of Scotland's most successful comedy exports, Susie McCabe is shortlisted for 2024, in the midst of a record run of her brand new show at GICF. Having supported the likes of Kevin Bridges and John Bishop on tour, Susie's recent Live At The Apollo appearance cemented her as one of UK comedy's biggest names.
"Rounding off 2024's shortlist is newcomer Zara Gladman, with two sold out shows at this year's GICF after finding an audience online with her witty takes on Glasgow's 'West End Mum'."
Craig Hill says: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be nominated for this award, not only because it's about the Spirit of Glasgow, which definitely feeds into the way I look at life and the things I laugh at, but it's in the name of Glasgow's comedy hero Billy Connolly. It's an honour to be nominated for an award in his name. When it comes to awards, this is the Big Yin!"
Raymond Mearns comments: "Surprised and delighted to be nominated for this award. To make my living as a stand-up is already a dream come true and coming from Glasgow with Billy Connolly as my inspiration, I was able to stand on the shoulders of a giant."
Rosco McClelland notes: "The spirit of Billy visited me in a dream to tell me that I'd been shortlisted for this award. Then he started licking my face which was strange but oddly comforting. Then I woke up and it was just my dog who needed out. I'm very proud to be shortlisted for this!"
Susan Riddell says: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be shortlisted for this award! I'm biased but Glasgow is one of the funniest cities in the world and to be in the running for an award endorsed by the Big Yin is the biggest honour!"
Susie McCabe adds: "To be nominated for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award is a massive honour - not only an award with the Godfather of modern stand-up comedy associated with it, but a man who defined this city. And what a wonderful city it is! If you're from this city you have been blessed (maybe not so much with the weather though..)."
Zara Gladman concludes: "I am in complete shock. For Sir Billy Connolly to even read my name on a piece of paper is a huge honour. My Glasgow West End mum will be boasting about this for years to come."
The judging panel features 2023 winner Janey Godley, comic actors Sharon Rooney and Jonathan Watson, STV News presenter Laura Boyd, actor Tony Curran and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren. The panel reviewed applications from GICF acts, venues and promoters to curate the shortlist, making a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly himself who will ultimately choose the final winner.
The winner will be revealed at GICF's Comedy Gala on Saturday 30th March at the city's King's Theatre.