Latest news with #GlasgowInternationalComedyFestival
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Everything you need to know about the O2 Academy in Glasgow
With so many artists like Kneecap and The White Buffalo coming to the O2 this year, you may be looking to know more about the venue, especially if you haven't been before. When did the O2 Academy in Glasgow open? According to Hidden Scotland, the 02 Academy, located on Eglinton Street, was originally built as a United Secession Church in 1825. The venue was then converted into the Bedford Cinema in 1921 before it was destroyed in a fire just 11 years later. The newly constructed cinema opened on Boxing Day that same year and remained a picture house until 1973. Before becoming a music venue in 2003, it was used as a bingo hall. The gig space was launched by Deacon Blue, with the venue since hosting The Killers, James Brown and more. How to get to the O2 Academy in Glasgow from the city centre The O2 Academy is only a short drive from the city centre, with those travelling from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station only needing to drive for around 11 minutes. Those making use of public transport can take the "Number 3" bus from West Regent Street before getting off at Bedford Street, a one-minute walk away from the venue, according to First Bus. What items are banned at the O2 Academy? The O2 Academy website lists the following banned items: Weapons, including but not limited to firearms, knives, combat weapons, explosives, heavy chains, etc Illegal drugs and substances, including unmarked liquid or pill medication bottles and nitrous oxide, etc Bags and containers larger than 40cm x 40cm x 20cm Alcohol, cans, bottles, including any glass objects or vessels or metal cans and objects Food or drink (unless required due to a pre-existing condition, which is supported with medical evidence) Liquids, gels and perfumes of more than 100ml Laser pens or pointers Professional cameras, including professional camera equipment Fireworks, fire-starters, and open flames Laptops, tablets, audio recording equipment, noise-making devices or card reading devices Skateboards and rollerblades, hover-boards, scooters, bicycles, and other personal motorised and non-motorised vehicles Non-service animals/animals not used by those with a disability Unauthorised solicitation, flags or marketing materials (e.g., posters, flyers, stickers) All unapproved unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, unless expressly authorised in accordance with LNE's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy Chairs or stools Helmets Large umbrellas Pushchairs Spray cans, markers and graffiti pens Any item deemed to be dangerous by the General Manager What is the capacity of the O2 Academy? The Glasgow International Comedy Festival website states that the venue houses a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. It also has a capacity of 2,550, allowing it to cater to live gigs and cutting-edge dance events. Recommended Reading: Are there any age restrictions at the O2 Academy in Glasgow? The O2 states that restrictions can range from "only 14s and over" to "under 14s must be accompanied by an adult" to "strictly over 18s", etc. As such, those under the age of 18 or accompanying children should check in advance before booking tickets.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Winner of Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2025 revealed
The winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2025 has finally been announced. The annual award is handed out at the end of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival's (GICF) Comedy Gala, which ran between March 12 and 30 this year. At the award ceremony this afternoon, it was revealed that Rosco McClelland was this years winner. The comedian collected his trophy onstage at the King's Theatre in Glasgow's city centre, following a touching video message from Sir Billy Connolly himself. (Image: Image of Rosco provided) Rosco was up against the likes of Marjolein Robertson, Paul Black and Kim Blythe for the trophy and title - which has previously been won by Janey Godley and Susie McCabe. Addressing Rosco directly, Sir Billy Connolly referenced one of his most famous jokes, saying: 'Congratulations to Rosco McClelland - the slug nudger! Well done - I had a good laugh at your thing about the slugs in the bin. I wish you all the very best, I hope your career goes bouncing from strength to strength and that the Glasgow humour goes bounding from strength to strength, as it will. Congratulations.' Reacting to the award himself, Rosco said: 'I honestly can't believe this, I never thought about anything to say but I'm going to Fuerteventura tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that! 'Thank you so much - to join the list of people who have won, Janey and Susie, is incredible. To know that the Big Yin has seen me do my silly wee bits of stand up is insane, that's the real prize in this. Just to hear him say my name, I can't believe this, he's the best to ever do it. Thank you to my family, everybody at Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and my agents. To everybody else who was nominated - they're fantastic comedian and fantastic people. Cheers!' Festival Director Krista MacDonald, 2024 winner Susie McCabe and comedy icon Elaine C Smith presented Rosco with the trophy. Krista said: 'Rosco McClelland is one of Scotland's brightest comedic voices and has been entertaining audiences for over a decade with his unique look at the absurdities of everyday life. "After being nominated for awards like Best Newcomer back in 2015, to see a homegrown Glaswegian talent like Rosco be honoured with 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award is a real testament to his hard work and commitment to his craft. Rosco embodies all that is exceptional about Glasgow and its comedy scene; a bold and brave brand of comedy, an unparalleled resilience and warmth and, above all else, an unfailing desire to make people laugh. 'Sir Billy Connolly is a comic who has shaped and defined Glasgow's cultural identity, and reflected the very best of this city back to audiences around the world. To have the Big Yin involved in the Festival in this way and for us to distribute an award in his name is a real honour. 'The GICF team send our warmest congratulations to Rosco as the winner of the third ever Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, as well as this year's outstanding Shortlist, who are all a shining representation of the strength of Scottish comedy.' The 2025 judging panel was comprised of radio presenter Aarti Joshi, Emmy award winning actor, author Alan Cumming, Clyde 1 radio presenter and DJ Cassi Gilespie, Still Game's Greg Hemphill, The Herald journalist Gregor Kyle, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, entertainment journalist Laura Boyd, Channel 4's Digital Commission Editor Laura Marks, Lost Glasgow journalist Norry Wilson, actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli and comedian Susie McCabe.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I survived two strokes in my twenties says Rutherglen woman
A Rutherglen woman is celebrating 20 years since she survived two strokes by hosting a a comedy show at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Colette Boyd, who suffered the strokes in her late twenties, is marking the milestone by performing at The Griffin on March 25. The 48-year-old's show is titled A F.A.S.T 20 Years and is described as "a celebration of life, laughter, and momentous events". She took up stand-up comedy in 2023 and is now using humour to celebrate the milestone. Her show aims to raise funds for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Colette shared how her self-deprecating humour helped her deal with the challenges of being a young stroke survivor and improved her mental health. She said: "I had my first stroke when I was 28 and then I had my second stroke when I was 29. "I'd read at the time that most stroke survivors don't live past 20 years after their stroke. "I assume that's because people that have strokes are older when they have them. "I always thought I'd have a party when I got to 20 years. "When I started doing stand-up comedy I was telling my friend, who also does stand-up, that I'd have a party. "He suggested I put on a gig during the International Comedy Festival instead and I thought it was a great idea." Colette will be performing alongside comedians Jimi Longmuir, Tattoo Dave, and Patrick Rolink. She added: "When I decided to do the show I knew I couldn't fill an hour myself so I put a call out asking if anyone wanted to get involved. "Patrick has had a stroke more recently and has been involved with CHSS. "The other comedians have had family members affected by heart disease so it worked out well to host it for CHSS given it's a Scottish charity." Tickets for the show can be purchased from the Glasgow Comedy Festival's website. For support and information on chest, heart, stroke conditions or Long Covid, contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's Advice Line.
The Independent
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Nicola Sturgeon thanks supporters in comedy debut after being cleared by police
Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has thanked her supporters after she was cleared in a police investigation. Speaking in her first comedy appearance, Ms Sturgeon – along with her friend, Scottish crime writer Val McDermid – mentioned the investigation into the SNP's finances coming to an end and no action being taken against her. The former first minister was told on Thursday that she had been cleared along with former party treasurer Colin Beattie. On the same day, Ms Sturgeon's estranged husband and former party chief executive Peter Murrell appeared in court charged with embezzlement. Appearing at the King's Theatre in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the former first minister joked the last two years had been 'interesting'. 'I just wanted to say, the last few years I wouldn't have got through without some really good pals – Val and (her wife Jo Sharp) certainly chief amongst them, but also others. 'But also without so many of you, people I've never met who come along to things like this and send me messages of support. 'So I just wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your support.' Ms Sturgeon later joked she had to edit McDermid's opening remarks – which are believed to have referred to the investigation – quipping: 'You can take the girl out of politics, but you can't take politics out of the girl.' The pair were joined by fellow crime writer Chris Brookmyre, as well as comedian and writer Ashley Storrie. As well as a brief discussion about politics and how they met, they also joked about baseless social media rumours of a relationship between the two of them. The author also quipped that Ms Sturgeon should have ransomed the late Queen Elizabeth II's body to secure a second referendum on independence. 'You should have held on to her and said 'you don't get the Queen back until you give us another referendum',' she said. A seemingly exasperated Ms Sturgeon quickly sought to change the subject.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nicola Sturgeon thanks supporters in comedy debut after being cleared by police
Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has thanked her supporters after she was cleared in a police investigation. Speaking in her first comedy appearance, Ms Sturgeon – along with her friend, Scottish crime writer Val McDermid – mentioned the investigation into the SNP's finances coming to an end and no action being taken against her. The former first minister was told on Thursday that she had been cleared along with former party treasurer Colin Beattie. On the same day, Ms Sturgeon's estranged husband and former party chief executive Peter Murrell appeared in court charged with embezzlement. Appearing at the King's Theatre in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the former first minister joked the last two years had been 'interesting'. 'I just wanted to say, the last few years I wouldn't have got through without some really good pals – Val and (her wife Jo Sharp) certainly chief amongst them, but also others. 'But also without so many of you, people I've never met who come along to things like this and send me messages of support. 'So I just wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your support.' Ms Sturgeon later joked she had to edit McDermid's opening remarks – which are believed to have referred to the investigation – quipping: 'You can take the girl out of politics, but you can't take politics out of the girl.' The pair were joined by fellow crime writer Chris Brookmyre, as well as comedian and writer Ashley Storrie. As well as a brief discussion about politics and how they met, they also joked about baseless social media rumours of a relationship between the two of them.
