MAGNERS GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2008
THURSDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 23RD MARCH 2008
The Comedy Festival, now recognises as a major event in the Europian Comedy Calendar, is set for even greater success in 2008. The festival has been extended and really has something for everyone with 350 shows in over 40 venues and a host of wonderful comedy acts including: Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, French and Saunders, Omid Djalili, Jerry Sadowitz and Dara O Briain.
From lunchtime plays to late night stand-up the programme is remarkable for the variety on offer: Magnificient headline acts, international comedy stars, theatre, a children's programme and shows both in popular city centre and west end venues as well as neighbourhood events in outlying locations.
Linda Allan Festival Co-ordinator said:
"The increase in the size of the programme and its quality is testament to the success of the festival and it is sure to attract people from all over Scotland and beyond."
Sponsored by Magners, Jules Macken, Brand Manager with Magners sees Magners and Comedy as a "perfect fit".
Over the past year we have continued to extend our support in this area and are now the main sponsor of all stand-up on Paramount Comedy. This year we will build on our presence at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by sponsoring the Festival Club at The Stand.
'We are delighted that with our support, audiences for last year's event increased by almost 30%. "
The Comedy Festival not only entertains the good citizens of Glasgow but attracts thousands of visitors.
Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, believes that:
Tickets:
Book now on: 0870 013 5464 or visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com
GUIDE TO THE FESTIVAL
The programme includes some brand new shows with Omid Djalili the man who made BBC Saturday nights funny again, French and Saunders' Britain's the hugely popular female duo, Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey and the rioutous Jimmy Carr. Scene-stealing panellists include Sean Lock, Dara O Briain, Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre from successful programmes such as Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats will also be flying solo.
A World Class Line-Up
The festival has an extensive international line-up including Rick Shapiro, gay icon Lea DeLaria, deadpan master Rich Hall and Otis Lee Crenshaw.
From Australia, Edinburgh Fringe hero Brendon Burns and Jim Jeffries. The Canadian contingent includes raconteur Glenn Wool plus Stewart Francis and flying the flag for Ireland will be Jason Byrne, Ed Byrne and ringmaster Andrew Maxwell.
Showcase Nights
There will be two exclusive showcase nights highlighting the cream of the World's Comedy Crop. The World Stands Up with Germany's Henning Wehn and New Yorker Marina Franklin and America Stands Up, with Sabrina Matthews introducing fellow US comics Dave Fulton, Dan Boulger and Jeff Kreisler at The Stand Comedy Club.
International housewife gigastar Dame Edna Everage who was due to perform her only UK show of 2008 live at the festival has had to postpone due to ill health and will rearrange her appearance for the 2009 festival.
Local Legends
Fresh from his sell-out national tour, Frankie Boyle returns to play a record-breaking three nights at Glasgow Academy.
As Scottish Comedy Agency Director Tommy Sheppard says
"At the first festival in 2003, Frankie Boyle played to an audience of 100; in 2007, he's selling out 5,000 seats. The festival is all about taking a chance, enjoying a huge range of performers and finding your new favourite comedian years before everyone else loves them. I would urge everyone to seek out the stars of tomorrow in addition to the well-known names."
Des McLean has established himself as almost a festival institution having appeared every year since 2003. His performances get bigger and better each year. On Tuesday 18th March the Clyde 1 personality will play his biggest gig yet at Glasgow's Theatre Royal. Also at the same venue is comedian, magician and psychopath Jerry Sadowitz who'll be eliciting gasps with his unique combination of shocking comedy and jaw-dropping magic.
Continuing the festival's commitment to nurturing up-and-coming local talent, there are great value showcases of Scotland's best emerging stand-ups at Sloans and Universal, plus extended solo sets from Raymond Mearns and Kevin Bridges at Glasgow's year-round home of stand-up, The Stand Comedy Club.
Theatres
The Theatre Royal will show Patrick Barlow's Olivier-winning smash hit comedy The 39 Steps - a hilarious re-imagining of the timeless spy story, crammed with lashings of derring-do, stiff upper lips and beautiful women.
The Ramshorn Theatre will play host to both a seminal classic- J M Synge's The Playboy of the Western World- and hot new writing talent, with a double bill of dark comedies from Scotland's top stand-ups: Death Of A Critic and Dysfunctional Tales.
Gilmorehill
Will show The Essential Chic Murray, written by his daughter Annabelle and capturing the essence of the great man perfectly.
OranMor
A special comedy season of Oran Mor's lunchtime A Play, A Pie and A Pint plays includes Call It Sleep and Out On The Wing specifically programmed for the festival.
Family Shows
This year, the festival will host an authentic comedy club that's suitable for anyone who likes a laugh without the rude bits! The Comedy Club 4 Kids will see big name comedians dropping in to showcase their best material, specially adapted for the crowd. There's also a new interactive show from the kids' favourite manic man, Phil Kay, the chance to go ape at Children's Classic Concerts: Music Goes Wild and silly gags galore from Chucklevision writer Ian Billings.
For budding young comedians there's the chance to learn the art of stand-up at the acclaimed James Campbell's Comedy Academy 4 Kids and get creative with their own comical creation at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre's workshops.
Fun For All
With over 40 venues around the city, you'll never be far from the festival. Intimate gigs will take place at Brel in Glasgow's West End and Blackfriars in the Merchant City. There will also be Scottish Comedy - Glasgow Stands Up in local neighbourhoods throughout Glasgow including Toryglen, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Langside and Easterhouse. With a classic cabaret style setting, fully licensed bar and tickets at just £3 each, this is an ideal chance to a have a great local night out at the festival.
From lunchtime plays to late night stand-up there is truly something for everyone at this year's festival.
Tickets:
Book now on: 0870 013 5464 or visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com