Frasier faces the axe

Johnny Vegas, Mark Thomas, Ed Byrne, Frank Carson and Doug Stanhope will all appear in Scotland's first festival dedicated purely to comedy.

The line-up for the Glasgow Comedy Festival, was announced today by Glasgow's Lord Provost Alex Mosson, boasting more than 120 performances in over a dozen venues in the 17 days from March 20 to April 5.

Vegas's performance is his only major appearance this year, and could be his last as he has vowed to quit stand-up.

Festival co-ordinator Linda Allan said: "This is our first festival, but it has ended up bigger and better than we ever thought possible, with more than 35,000 tickets available."

It's hoped the event, organised by The Stand comedy club's Stand Out agency, will become an annual occurrence.

Festival director Tommy Sheppard said: "This was an ambitious project right from the start. We always knew that the sheer size and scale of the festival would mean we would have to rely on the support of Glasgow City Council if we were to pull it off. Thankfully, they have backed us all the way"

And Glasgow city councillor Steven Purcell added: "Few cities can lay a better claim to stage such an event. Not only do we have a long and proud history of producing wonderful entertainers, but the ingrained humour of our people has shaped our character."

The line-up features such local talent as Fred MacAulay, Phil Kay, Bruce Morton, Arnold Brown and Jerry Sadowitz.

And the event extends beyond stand-up, with performances of the hit West End comedy Art and Dario Fo's play Can't Pay, Won't Pay, plus screenings of Will Hay and Charlie Chaplin films and a tribute to celebrated animator Tex Avery.

Published: 23 Jan 2003