Glasgow fest announces line-up

Big names whose tours hit the city during the 18-day event include Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, French and Saunders, Omid Djalili, Jerry Sadowitz and Dara O Briain.

The line-up is the biggest yet, up from 288 last year and extended by an extra day. Organisers say a total of 99,000 tickets are available this year.

Dame Edna Everage who was due to perform her only UK show of 2008 at the festival has had to call off her visit after creator Barry Humphries developed complications following appendix surgery. The gig is now likely to take place next year.

International acts who are attending include, ‘the Iggy Pop of stand-up’, Rick Shapiro, gay icon Lea DeLaria and Marina Franklin, performing at a World Stands Up gig.

And there is also a host of acts from Scotland and the rest of the UK, too.

Festival director Tommy Sheppard said: \'At the first festival in 2003, Frankie Boyle played to an audience of 100; in 2007, he\'s selling out 5,000 seats.

‘The festival is all about taking a chance and finding your new favourite comedian years before everyone else loves them. I would urge everyone to seek out the stars of tomorrow in addition to the well-known names.’

Jules Macken, from sponsers Magners said: ‘We are delighted that with our support, audiences for last year\'s event increased by almost 30 per cent. We plan to widen that support in 2008.\'

The full line-up is at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

And here’s a promo video:

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Published: 20 Jan 2008