The Glasgow International Comedy Festival started in 2002 and since then has attracted the funniest performers from the world of comedy to Scotland’s largest city every March.
In common with most cultural events it was hit hard by the glebal pandemic, but it now back to its best, with a particularly strong lineup in 2023.
Here are 11 of the biggest names you can catch – and when and where they are playing.
9. Stewart Lee
After a decade of ground-breaking high concept shows involving overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Lee enters the post-pandemic era in streamlined solo stand-up mode. One man, one microphone, and one microphone in the wings in case the one on stage breaks. Stewart Lee: Basic Lee is on at the King's Theatre in Thursday, March 16, and Friday, March 17, with both shows starting at 7.30pm. Photo: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
10. John Kearns
Fresh from his appearance on the last series of Taskmaster, John Kearns is playing the Stand Comedy Club on Thursday, March 23, at 8.30pm. The Vanishing Days is the heart-stopping, glasses-dropping, hard-rocking, wig-shaking, levothyroxine-taking, teeth rattling, new show from stand up comedian John Kearns. Photo: Glasgow International Comedy Festival