Glasgow International Comedy Festival: Top Picks

It’s the (second) most wonderful time of the year (for comedy fans [unless you’re in Australia or get to go to Machynlleth but whatever]). That’s right, it’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival time!

Feature by The Skinny | 08 Mar 2019

Now into its 18th year, Europe’s largest comedy festival* proves again that Scotland’s the place to be for funnies. The Fringe’s arguably funnier little sister is offering up a cavalcade of comics with touring shows, works in progress and one-off spectaculars that could only happen in Glasgow. Have a wee peek at what we reckon will be belters. 

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If you’re looking for an hour of unadulterated madness, look no further than Chunks’ An Indeterminate Amount of Comedians Attempt to Perform 1993’s Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers) in Full Live (23 Mar, 9.30pm, State Bar, £5). We cannot guarantee quality, but we can guarantee this will be an experience. 

Speaking of State Bar, this year’s Chunkstival line-up looks better than ever with a load of brilliant alternative acts and locals doing some very exciting WIPs. Someone who fits in the middle of this perfect Venn Diagram is Donald Alexander (Here's Donny!, 21 Mar, 9.30pm, State Bar, £5). 

Over on the other side of town, the ARG (Actually Rather Good) collective are taking over Glasgow institution the Hug and Pint as well as an ex-gallery for some top notch hours. While up-and-comer Sophie Duker works out her first solo hour, there are absurd treats from John-Luke Roberts with another brilliantly titled show (After Me Comes the Flood [But in French] drip splosh splash drip BLUBBP BLUBBP BLUBBPBLUBBPBLUBBP!!, 31 Mar, 5pm, ARG @ The Vacant Space, £6) and Joz Norris (Joz Norris is Dead. Long Live Mr Fruit Salad, 29 Mar, 8pm, ARG @ The Vacant Space, £6), but the jewel in ARG’s crown has to be the eagerly anticipated return of Josie Long (29-31 Mar, various times, ARG @ The Vacant Space, £8). Expect wry political commentary with a warm, fuzzy glow and an urge to buy tickets immediately cos it will sell out. 

There’s a buzz coming from both Blackfriars and Berk’s Nest @ The Old Hairdressers too with a roster of new and established talent. Tom Parry (22 Mar, 7.50pm, Old Hairdressers, £8/7) and Lolly Adefope (23 Mar, 2.45pm, Old Hairdressers, £8/7) are both here for WIPs, as are Alison Spittle (Makes a Show of Herself, 29 Mar, 7.30pm, Blackfriars Basement, £10/8) and Rosco McClelland (Tokyo Drift, 16 Mar, 9.15pm, Blackfriars Basement, £10/8). 

And last but not least, Mr Golden Balls himself can be seen live on stage in Old Glesgae: Jasper Carrott (Stand Up and Rock, 24 Mar, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal, £30/25). He’s the man with the Midas touch.


glasgowcomedyfestival.com