Stanhope pulls out of festival

American comedian Doug Stanhope has pulled out of the Glasgow Comedy Festival.

The controversial comic has been forced to cancel his two dates in the city later this month after landing a big televison contract in the States.

He has been signed up to co-host Comedy Central's laddish Man Show with fellow stand-up Joe Rogan.

However he does plan to tour Britain later this year - and is flying in this weekend for an appearance on BBC2's Live Floor Show.

Brian Hennigan, Doug's UK manager said: "Doug was really looking forward to playing the Glasgow festival, but his live performance schedule has been severely curtailed.

"Nevertheless we aim to slot in a couple of Glasgow dates later in the year, in line with Doug's UK touring plans."

Linda Allen of the Glasgow Comedy Festival, said: "We book only the very best. A natural result of this is that some acts, such as Doug, will necessarily be offered career opportunities which they have to take up."

Stanhope won a critics' award for his show at the Edinburgh Fringe last year.

Click here for the rest of the Glasgow festival listings.

Published: 5 Mar 2003