Glasgow International Comedy Festival: top five unmissable gigs

AMID a galaxy of comedy talent at this month’s Glasgow comedy soiree, The Scotsman previews five must-see acts that shine brightest in the festival firmament

Michael Winslow

Thu 22 Mar, 7.30pm, King’s Theatre, £21

There are a fair few human beat-boxers on the circuit these days, but you’d be hard pressed to identify one who can rival Michael Winslow’s A-list credentials. An integral part of the long-running Police Academy films and a voice actor for shows such as Family Guy, Winslow is an increasingly rare specimen - a legacy act who is as relevant as ever.

Martin Mor

Sun 18 Mar, 7.30pm, The Stand Comedy Club, £7/£8

Martin Mor has enjoyed a more circuitous route to stand-up comedy than most, having been a circus performer (fun fact: he once juggled machetes thrown at him by a prisoner in an Italian jail) and a bare-knuckle boxer. His forthright patter will dovetail nicely with a warm up set from none other than Frankie Boyle.

Stewart Lee

Fri 23 Mar, 7.30pm, King’s Theatre, £21

Stewart Lee’s latest stand-up show is the unassumingly titled Carpet Remnant World, and its central premise is equally underwhelming - that of a comedian who has run out of jokes to tell. That said, anyone familiar with Lee’s scalpel-sharp wit will know better - a must-see.

Sarah Millican

Tue 20 Mar & Wed 21 Mar, King’s Theatre, £21

Sarah Millican’s ostensible persona is that of an unassuming, mumsy sort. However, her outwardly gentle demeanour belies a sharp tongue and a willingness to say the sort of things that could make a blackboard blush.

Richard Herring

Thur 27 Mar & Fri 23 Mar, Garage, £15

Richard Herring has plenty of previous for addressing ‘big’ concepts: religion, politics, and, ahem, penises. Herring’s latest show shines a harsh spotlight on love. It probably won’t be warm and fuzzy.