Stand-up scoops 'Spirit of Glasgow' award at city's comedy festival

Janey Godley has been awarded the first Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.

The comic was handed the award at the city’s comedy festival just minutes after she headlined the event’s closing gala at the King’s Theatre.

Holding up the award, she said: ‘I can’t believe I’ve won this. This is going to be my tombstone.’

‘I have won an award from a man that I’ve admired since I was a child.’

Sir Billy appeared on screen to announce Godley was taking the award, saying he was ‘a  worthy winner, a worthy comedian’.

He added: ‘ She’s been a pal of mine for about five or six years. We met in New Zealand when she was performing at a festival, and I took her to see my show - almost killing her on the way. I have a weird way of crossing the road. It took her a while to get used to it…

‘She’s a great girl, a great comedian and an extraordinary life story to dwell on. I’m very proud to be part of the International Festival and I’m very proud that my drawing has been part of the trophy. It’s lovely."

The award, featured a  self-portrait of the Big Yin etched in glass, was then presented by festival director Krista MacDonald and Two Doors Down star and award judge, Elaine C Smith.

MacDonald said: ‘I don’t think anyone leaving the room today will disagree that Glasgow is the funniest city in the world…’

And in his video, Sir Billy said: ‘Glasgow deserves to have a comedy festival - an international comedy festival. It’s the funniest town in the world bar none… and it deserves to be at the top of the league. ‘

The other shortlisted nominees were Scott Agnew, Paul Black, Craig Hill, Kieran Hodgson  and Susie McCabe. Judges also gave special commendation to comedians Laura Quinn Goh, Krystal Evans and Chris Forbes, with particular reference to his work alongside tennis Judy Murray. 

They were seeking comedians who lived up to five criteria.

• Humour – a sense of humour and an ability to take the mick out of ourselves
• Resilience – being as warm as we are tough
• Openness – having good patter with everyone and anyone
• Unapologetic – proud yet unpretentious and uncompromising
• Depth – conflicting and nuanced, multi-layered and multi-dimensional

As a comic who has continued to perform stand-up following a tough cancer diagnosis, Godley clearly ticked all the boxes. After collecting the award, she said: ‘If I couldn’t joke, I wouldn’t be me.’

Published: 3 Apr 2023