Jack Traynor has his costs met by Blackfriars of Bell Street

Glasgow comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has announced it’s funding the Edinburgh Fringe debut of Cumbernauld-born comedian Jack Traynor. 

Owner Chris Conway made the decision  after helping judge applicants for  an identical bursary offered by Scottish comedy promoters Brass Tacks that was funded by Red Bull.

He said: ‘I knew that we wanted to get more involved than just judging. We are delighted to be involved and thrilled to have Jack Traynor as the act chosen. Jack is a tremendous comedian who has been a regular feature on the Blackfriars Basement stage and we know he will have a hugely successful Fringe.’

Traynor is part of the Wholesome Prison Blues collective which brings comedy shows into prisons, hosts a regular pub quiz at Blackfriars, and is also set to perform in a Roast Battle show in Los Angeles this year, again thanks to the venue’s sponsorship. 

He will perform his Fringe show Before I Forget at 9.55pm at Pleasance Bunker One, produced by Brass Tacks. He will have his registration, venue, marketing, PR, street team,  printing and  technician costs covered.

Katie Palmer of Brass Tacks Comedy said: ‘As a comedy fan I love Blackfriars Comedy Club, and as a promoter, their model of handing over 100 per cent of ticket sales is brilliant, so to be partnering with them on this project is a dream. 

‘Jack Traynor is one of my favourite comics in the country. He had previously mentioned that performing his own show at the Fringe wasn’t in his future plans because he was completely priced out. Without the support of Blackfriars, we could have lost an incredible young talent in Scottish comedy.’

The name of the comedian funded by Red Bull is set to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Published: 24 Mar 2025