Scottish Comedy Highlights: May 2026

Starting strong, there’s sketch, character and great chat heading to Dundee with Paul Black’s Cash Cow (Dundee Rep, 1 May, 7.30pm). The super charming Glaswegian brings tales of fame and the entertainment industry into razor-sharp focus with the writer and comedian’s latest show.

Leila Navabi is touring her second show to Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre this month (16 May, 7pm). Telling the story of her and her wife’s fertility journey, Relay unites Navabi’s talents for stand-up and catchy tunes with a very sweet, life-affirming story of queer baby-making.

We’re also graced by two of the SNL UK cast as soon as their first series ends. The fantastic Larry Dean gives us a WIP of his new Fringe and tour show Hellbent (Monkey Barrel, 19 May, 7pm & 9pm). Snap up a chance to see him in the intimate Edinburgh venue before he’s gallivanting across the country and playing huge crowds.

Fellow cast member Ayoade Bamgboye brings her Best Newcomer-winning show, Swings & Roundabouts, back to Scotland (Monkey Barrel, 23 May, 6pm / The Stand, Glasgow, 3 Jun, 8pm) after her SNL casting postponed her initial tour dates. Deadpan, shapeshifting, and totally original, Bamgboye’s debut show is well worth a look in. 

And as for June, there’s plenty of gigs to choose from, but we’d recommend you book quick for these two WIPs. Sami Abu Wardeh’s here to work up his first solely stand-up hour after two clown-heavy shows at the Fringe (Monkey Barrel, 13 Jun, 8pm), although we reckon there’ll still be a tonne of silliness in this new hour.

Catherine Bohart’s back in town too (Monkey Barrel, 28 Jun, 6pm), testing out material for her Borrowing Trouble tour which hits Scottish stages in November. Expect it to be crammed full of sweet, gossipy gags and the feeling that you’ve just met your new best friend.