The 2023 Glasgow International Comedy Festival organisers have hailed this years event as a huge success, attributing it to the Glaswegian people and the comedy community, including audiences, performers, and venues.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald, at the GICF launch, spoke of a three-year growth plan for the festival to regain pre-pandemic levels. This year, the festival exceeded expectations with over 450 events, allowing audiences to enjoy comedy shows in 40 venues throughout the city during the 19-day festival. These results put the festival near their 3-year target in just the first year.
With more than 100 of the 450 events selling out at venues like King’s Theatre, The Stand Comedy Club, Van Winkle West End, Oran Mor, and McChuills, the festival displayed the true diversity of the comedy industry. The range of genres included children’s shows, community events, walking tours, drag shows, improv, and stand-up comedy.
The Festival opened with Frankie Boyle and featured notable names such as Kaye Adams, Tim Key, Jason Byrne, Craig Hill, Phil Wang, Nick Mohammed, and Maisie Adam. Local talent was prominently featured in the program, culminating in the official Closing Gala at the King’s Theatre on Sunday, 2nd April. The Gala honored various talents, including Janey Godley, who received the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
Krista MacDonald said, “From venues, acts, staff, our partners and the audiences – everyone in Glasgow has helped to make the festival a great success, under the most trying circumstances for the hospitality industry and people’s own wallets. It has been a real team effort, just going to show that nobody does comedy like Glasgow.
“This year has been a true showcase of why Glasgow is the funniest city in the world, from packed audiences in our biggest venues, to new and emerging talent selling out more traditional smaller rooms that keep comedy alive throughout the year.
“We can’t wait to build on this success next year when the festival comes of age at 21 years old, with more venues, acts and audiences getting to enjoy the comedy that Glasgow has come to know and love.”
The 21st edition of the festival is scheduled for 13th-31st March 2024.