Scottish Comedy Highlights: October 2023
October’s here and brings a bumper crop of comedy with it. From huge names on tour to a comedy festival by The Shore, there’s plenty of gigs to whet your comedy whistle this month
First up, boasting a lineup including Josie Long, Susie McCabe and Jay Lafferty, is a Benefit in Aid of the Women’s Support Project (The Stand, Glasgow, 4 Oct). The charity works to end violence against women and celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year.
What’s that? A BRAND NEW comedy festival on our doorstep? Leith Comedy Festival (6-8 Oct) debuts at various venues around the Shore, rooting itself firmly in the local community and bringing brilliant local talent to the heart of the neighbourhood (performers include Jamie MacDonald, Kathleen Hughes and Soup Group).
Big names visiting Scotland this month include viral comedy star Munya Chawawa (O2 Academy, Edinburgh, 28 Oct; O2 Academy, Glasgow, 19 Oct), Paul Foot (Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 7 Oct; The Stand, Glasgow, 8 Oct), Pierre Novellie (The Stand, Glasgow, 11 Oct; Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 12 Oct) and Ria Lina (Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 11 Oct; The Stand, Glasgow, 12 Oct). Ed Gamble and James Acaster are also on the scene with Off Menu Live (SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, 21-22 Oct).
In celebration of Black History Month, Glasgow Glee and Monkey Barrel both host COBO: Comedy Shutdown (22 Oct). The lineup features Gbemi Oladipo, rising star Kyrah Gray, Loyiso Gola and Canada's Trixx.
Fever Dream Comedy Society present Ghost Train – a walkthrough comedy-horror experience headlined by Marjolein Robertson (The Space, Glasgow, 25 Oct). The day after, 26 Oct, is All Mouth: Queer Comedy – a showcase of the best in LGBTQ+ local talent (Rum Shack, Glasgow).