MORE than 500 events will take place in 45 venues when the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) returns to the city in March.

Taking place over 19 days from March 13 to March 31, the 21st GICF will welcome international comedians, rising Scottish talent and the very best of live comedy through traditional stand-up, live podcasts, musicals, character comedy, storytelling, clowning, improve, theatre and even comedy wrestling.

This year’s line-up includes hometown heroes Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe, Frankie Boyle, Mark Nelson, Zara Gladman and Old Firm Facts Live, as well as UK stars such as Ed Gamble, Fiona Allen and Stewart Lee.

The programme’s latest announcements joining the line-up include Frank Skinner, Caroline Rhea, Maisie Adam, Fesshole, All Killa No Filla and Kieran Hodgson.

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Glasgow Times:

Elaine C Smith will return to the King’s Theatre on Friday, March 29 with her new show 65, taking a look back at her more than 40 years in show business.

She told the Glasgow Times: "I turned 65 and I hadn’t done a one woman show for a long time, I’ve done occasional gigs.

"I thought given a pandemic, and a world run by Trump, Putin and Boris Johnson there wasn’t a lot to laugh about, you couldn’t even satirize that, it was beyond comedy because you were watching the telly going ‘this canny be real’.

"And the level of misogyny out there was so huge, particularly towards older woman.  

"But I turned 65 and I thought maybe I should take a look back at how hard this has been, what a climb it’s been.

"It’s not going to be a lecture on poor me but this has not been easy as a women in this city to survive and do comedy which is so male dominated.

"And at 65 I’m still here which is why I decided to do it."

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Glasgow Times:

TikTok sensation Zara Gladman will perform her first ever show titled Zara Gladman and Friends at the Oran Mor on Thursday, March 28.

The show, which promises an evening of silliness and song, will feature a variety of her comedic alter egos including everyone’s favourite West End Mum.

Zara said: "It’s a big deal for me. I’ve been doing comedy for a long time, the first time I did any stand up was in 2011, but this is the first time I’m finally committing to doing an hour.

"There are going to be various characters that might be familiar to people who follow me on social media, there’s going to be some live music as well, I’ve always loved musical comedy which is controversial but I’m a big fan of parody and I’ve got some special guest appearances I’m very excited about.

"And maybe some explosions as well depending on my budget."

Glasgow Times:

Krista MacDonald, festival director, said: "We’re excited to reveal Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s biggest programme yet with 500 shows taking over the city this spring, bringing the very best of Scottish, UK and international comedy to the city’s doorsteps.

"The festival firmly believes that Glasgow is the funniest city in the world and we’re thrilled to showcase that with a brilliant mix of headline names and rising stars performing across our venues in March. 

"The festival strives to make sure comedy is open to anyone and everyone which is why this year we've introduced a completely free Introduction to Comedy course for women and marginalised genders.

"Led by the hilarious and talented Viv Gee, the six-week course will serve as a basic introduction to stand-up, aiming to boost confidence and encourage a more diverse new generation of talent to enter the wonderful world of comedy.

"Comedy is such an integral part of Glasgow’s DNA - from conversations with strangers on a night out to some of the world’s greatest comedians, comedy plays a vital role in our city’s cultural identity.

"Glasgow International Comedy Festival allows us to celebrate and shine a light on that whilst nurturing the next generation of talent and enjoying sets from beloved comedians.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming fans to iconic venues in the city’s East End, West End and everywhere in between. We’ll see you at a show."

You can find out more at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com.