5 Funnies: My (Incredibly biased) picks of the Glasgow Comedy Festival
Sue Perkins. Jimmy Carr. Omid Djalili. Yes, you've had their shiny faces staring at you from the Glasgow Comedy Festival posters dotted all over the city the past few weeks. You might have assumed that those 'off the telly' comics are the only ingredients in the comedy Festival cake. But they are only the rich icing on what is a deep, richly varied sponge of loveliness. Let me serve you up five fruity slices*...
Ray Bradshaw
'Deaf Comedy Fam'
After his uproarious stunt based debut 'I Dare Ray', the immensely affable, laid-back comic is back with a very intriguing tale to tell. Ray brings the story of growing up with BOTH his parents registered Deaf to the stage. Expect a wonderfully delivered set, with a few inappropriate hand signs along the way.
Darren Connell
'No Filter'
Ok. He is technically one of those 'Off the Telly' comics with his star turn as Bobby on BBC Scotland's 'Scot Squad'. But Darren Connell's stand up is far from mainstream. Tales of a hard, working-class Glasgow life are hilariously pushed to surreal levels and acted out with comic brutality. Darren has a sublime skill of making comedy gold of his personal tragedies. Go see him while he is still playing a Pub Basement as bigger venues await.
Blabbermouths
Not all the fun happens in late night, beer soaked, lurid dungeons where fully grown Adults behave like wild animals... The sprogs can get in on the act too! The Stand Comedy Kids Club presents a Saturday afternoon show that stretches little minds to imagine and create in a mix of storytelling and comedy improv. Promises to be chaotically good fun and big Kids are welcome to join in too!
Billy Kirkwood
'Sheer Utter Chaos'
I have yet to see a Comic live who can match Billy for his relentless, high-energy delivery. Billy puts his foot to the floor and hardly ever eases up on the comedy throttle. He's a relentless whirlwind of tall tales, punchy gags, audience interaction that will leave you gasping for breath in between the gales of laughter. 'Sheer Utter Chaos' is the probably the most appropriately titled show of the Festival.
Mulhollandland
Ah. Spike Milligan, Python, The Boosh. That great British lineage of surrealist humour is kept alive and well in the silly comic stylings of Mr. Pat Mulholland. With a range of characters, hats and routines with titles such as 'The Ghost of Brisket Past', Pat's comedy is for those who like to go waaay off the track.
And for more of that off-roading comedy stuff ... Pat's show is on as part of a festival within the Festival called 'Chunkstival'. Based in McPhabbs, it runs concurrently over the two weeks of the main Festival and I highly recommend taking a punt on any of the shows listed. Most you'll pay for entry is £4 and I can guarantee, whether you laugh or not, you'll definitely get value for sheer originality.
Mullhollandland Show | Pat's Twitter | Chunkstival Show Listings
*I have to declare a vested interested in these performers as they are all clients of mine, having created the show artwork for each. But I assure you I am a fan of each of these Comic's quick wit. It's definitely a lot quicker than their ability to pay invoices.
