Behind the Mic: Brass Tacks Comedy

Tell me about Brass Tacks Comedy
Brass Tacks Comedy is a female-founded, Scottish, comedy production company. We reduce barriers to comedy and provide meaningful, affordable support to artists who’ve historically been left out of the industry. It’s also about celebrating stand-up as an artform, where comedy nerds can feel part of something and casual comedy goers can feel less overwhelmed with what to see.

How did it come about?
I launched it at the beginning of 2024, out of a love of stand-up comedy and frustration at people who say they ‘don’t enjoy comedy’ – I genuinely believe anyone who says that just hasn’t seen the comedy for them yet – and the lack of attention Scottish acts get across the UK comedy industry.

I’d been working in comedy for years and would drag friends to shows, make them watch the specials I loved, and tell them about new acts I’d seen, whether they liked it or not. A comedian pal said I should be “stand-up comedy’s agent” and so Brass Tacks was born – initially as an Instagram page to promote great comedy happening in Scotland. It quickly developed into Fringe production, touring, workshops, mentorship, mini festivals and more.

What was the first Brass Tacks project?
Producing and directing Grace Mulvey’s Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024. I’d heard about stand-up directors and it sounded like the best job, so I asked on Instagram if any comic pals would let me give it a bash, and found Grace. That escalated into producing and working with Amy Annette too. I could not have asked for two better Fringe runs. Amy sold out hers (including two extra shows), and Grace’s show was named by Rolling Stone as one of the 12 stand-out shows of the Fringe.

How did your two funded Fringe debuts come about?
I was desperate to do something to support Scottish comics who felt consistently overlooked and priced out of the Fringe. I put together a sponsorship pack, sent it to over 100 businesses, and Red Bull UK bought into the idea. They’ve been brilliant ever since and really engaged with supporting local talent. Ayo Adenekan is debuting this year without the financial burden. And from the 50 applications we got, I just adored Jack Traynor too and knew he needed support, so Blackfriars in Glasgow stepped up and said "How can we help?" So now they’re supporting Jack’s debut too. It’s fantastic to see tangible support go to artists who need it, and it really could set them up for life.

Who would be your dream act to work with and why?
This is so cheesy but at the beginning of this year I wrote down a list of acts I wanted for the Fringe 2025, and Ayo and Jack were on that list. I’m obsessed with both of them, and to support two incredibly talented young comics from Scotland, who felt the Fringe was too expensive, and are so different to each other, is a total dream come true.

What's been your best bit of advice from running Brass Tacks?
It’s always been "if you don’t ask you don’t get." My whole life I’ve stumbled into dream jobs because I emailed someone and said "any chance I can do this?" And that mentality is exactly how the two funded Fringes came about.

Who should we look out for on the comedy scene?
This is so hard! Jack and Ayo, obviously. Ifrah Qureshi, Maddie Fernando and Rowan Hackett are all fairly new and you’d never know from watching them. Plus a hidden gem gig is the Roast Battle at Monkey Barrel each month, run by Ryan Cullen who’s one of my favourites. People think it’ll be dark and edgy and mean, and it is a wee bit, but it’s so fun and silly too.

Who's the funniest comedian you've seen and why?
Absolutely Rosco McClelland. He’s someone I would confidently recommend to anyone regardless of their comedy preferences. So silly, so chaotic in all the best ways. He can do material on fatal heart conditions or drying himself with a towel and it’s never not hilarious.

What's next for Brass Tacks? 
We’re bringing six incredible shows to the Fringe: Amy Annette, Ayo Adenekan, Grace Mulvey, Jack Traynor, Jodie Sloan and Tamsyn Kelly. Plus, from 4 to 6 July we’ve partnered with Blackfriars for a ‘Fringe for a Fiver’ weekend – three days packed with some of the biggest and best comedians in Scotland, including Kim Blythe and Larry Dean, all previewing their Fringe shows, for only £5 each.

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Fringe for a Fiver runs at Blackfriars, Glasgow, 4-6 Jul; Full lineup and tickets available at brasstackscomedy.com/fringe-for-a-fiver

Tickets for Brass Tacks Comedy's Fringe roster available at edfringe.com

Keep up to date with Brass Tacks Comedy on instagram @brasstackscomedy or sign up to their mailing list via subscribepage.io/brasstackscomedy