Glasgow will once again become the epicentre of British comedy as the International Comedy Festival kicks off this week, running from 11 to 29 March across venues throughout the city.
Now in its 18th year, the festival brings together established names and emerging talent for nearly three weeks of stand-up, sketch shows, and experimental performance. I attended the launch event yesterday at the Stand Comedy Club, where the festival director outlined an ambitious programme featuring over 400 performances.
Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s festival includes headline shows from some of the biggest names in comedy, alongside showcases for up-and-coming acts from Scotland and beyond. The programme spans everything from traditional stand-up to character comedy, political satire, and improvisation.
Several venues across Glasgow will host festival events, including the Theatre Royal, King’s Theatre, and numerous smaller clubs and bars that form the backbone of the city’s comedy scene. The variety of spaces means audiences can experience everything from intimate 50-seater rooms to large-scale theatre productions.
Supporting New Talent
One of the festival’s key objectives remains nurturing new comedic voices. The New Comedian of the Year competition returns, offering a platform for performers in the early stages of their careers. Previous winners have gone on to achieve national recognition, making the competition a closely-watched part of the festival calendar.
Free events are also scheduled throughout the festival, ensuring comedy remains accessible to everyone regardless of budget. These include lunchtime shows, open-mic nights, and outdoor performances in Glasgow city centre.
Economic Impact
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival generates significant economic activity for the city, with visitors from across the UK and internationally attending shows. Hotels, restaurants, and bars all benefit from the influx of comedy fans, while the festival helps maintain Glasgow’s reputation as a cultural destination.
Tickets for many shows are already selling strongly, with festival organisers advising early booking for the most popular performances. The full programme is available through the festival website, with events scheduled across all three weeks.