GICF will celebrate Glasgow as ‘the funniest city in the world’ for its 23rd edition of the event across 19 days this spring, spanning the comedy sector from traditional stand-up, improv, sketch, theatre, musical comedy, magic, kids shows, live podcasts and cabaret.
Comedians from around the world will perform including top talent from America, Australia, Canada, Spain, Ireland and of course, a host of homegrown Scottish comics.
Venues set to host GICF shows include The OVO Hydro, SEC Armadillo, King’s Theatre, The Stand, Blackfriars Basement, Oran Mor, Gael & Grain, The Old Hairdressers’s and Drygate. Plus, the newly redeveloped Citizens Theatre joins GICF’s venue line-up, hosting shows from Ruby Wax, Mark Simmons, Kim Blythe, Mhairi Black and Karen Dunbar.
Alan Davies said: “I’m already thinking ahead to Glasgow. I love the Film Theatre, a Play, a Pie and a Pint and the Clockwork Orange so I’m very much looking forward to my first gig there in over a decade.”
Craig Hill said: “This festival just keeps getting better and better! They’re literally putting the ‘go’ into Glasgow! The line up’s amazing this year and I just can’t wait to be part of it all over again. Go Glasgow International Comedy Festival!” D
aniel Sloss said: “I’m excited to be coming back to the Armadillo at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the funniest festival in the funniest city in the world.”
Karen Dunbar said: “I’m really chuffed to be returning to the Citz for the GICF gig on March 25th. It’s a long time since I’ve done a theatre show in Glasgow and the combination of the new Citz and the festival was too hard to resist!”
Rosie O’Donnell said: “Scotland welcomed me so warmly at the Fringe last August and those audiences really stayed with me. They made it a joy to be on that stage so I’m thrilled to be returning for the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and with family connections close-by, it's a city close to my heart.”
1. Karen Dunbar
Karen Dunbar is one of Scotland’s best-known comedy actors. Starting off in the sketch show Chewin’ the Fat, she then went on to star in her own show, The Karen Dunbar Show, which received various awards and nominations. Karen Dunbar: The Glesga Special is at The Citizens Theatre on Wednesday 25th March at 7:30pm. | Supplied Photo: Submitted
2. Daniel Sloss
Scotland’s international comedy superstar Daniel Sloss unleashes his brilliant and devastatingly hilarious brand-new show “Bitter” at the SEC Armadillo as part of the 2026 Glasgow International Comedy Festival. 28th March, 8.30pm. | Contributed
3. Zara Gladman
Zara Gladman brings her sell-out, five-star Fringe show to home turf. Ageing millennial Gladman and her alter-egos – including everyone’s favourite Glasgow West End mum Aileen – take centre stage for a worthy cause: to raise funds for Aileen’s son’s gap year. Expect silliness, song and plenty of drama in this sparkling hour from one of Scotland’s most original comics. Plus, a raffle. Zara Gladman is... Aileen is at The Rum Shack on Thursday 12th March at 7pm. Photo: Glasgow International Comedy Festival / PA Wire
4. Rosco McClelland
The winner of the 2025 Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2025, Rosco McClelland returns to Glasgow International Comedy Festival with one of the best-reviewed shows at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His show How Could Hell be Any Worse? is at Oran Mor on Sunday 29th March at 8pm. | Supplied