MAGNERS GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2008

The most impressive Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival line-up to date was announced at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday 17^th January by Scotland’s Queen of Comedy Karen Dunbar. Boasting live shows featuring household names Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, French and Saunders, Omid Djalili, Jerry Sadowitz and Dara O Briain the programme comprises an impressive 350 shows in over 40 venues.

Extended to 18 days, from Thursday 6 – Sunday 23 March 2008, the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is firmly established as the largest of its type in Europe and a major event in the global comedy calendar. There are 99,000 tickets available this year and organisers are expecting record ticket sales.

Formally launching the programme, Linda Allan Festival Co-ordinator said

"The increase in the size of the programme and its quality is testament to the success of the festival and it is sure to attract people from all over Scotland and beyond."

Jules Macken, Brand Manager, Magners GB said:

"Magners and comedy are a perfect fit. Over the past year we have continued to extend our support in this area and are now the main sponsor of all stand-up on Paramount Comedy. This year we will build on our presence at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by sponsoring the Festival Club at The Stand.

‘We are delighted that with our support, audiences for last year’s event increased by almost 30%. We plan to widen that support in 2008 and work with our colleagues in the trade to introduce Magners to new drinkers and new audiences to the Festival."

Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said

"The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is now one of the best comedy festivals in the world. The big names within this year's line-up promise to make this the best　festival yet and I look forward to welcoming performers, organisers and comedy fans to our city, as well as taking in some of the performances for myself. The Comedy Festival is an important event for Glasgow, bringing thousands of visitors to the city and giving us all a good laugh."

Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland said:

"The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is fast becoming one of the highlights of the international comedy circuit. We are delighted to be helping the festival continue its development and growth through supporting marketing initiatives aimed at increasing the number of visitors to the festival, and the city of Glasgow, from outside Scotland."

Tickets are on sale now and shows always sell out fast so book now on 0870 013 5464 or visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE FESTIVAL　

A whole host of the UK’s household favourites will be stepping out of the small screen and onto the live stage for the 2008 Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival. There are brand new shows from Omid Djalili the man who made BBC Saturday nights funny again, French and Saunders Britain’s best-loved female double act, Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey and the reigning king of Channel 4 comedy Jimmy Carr.

The best scene-stealing panellists including Sean Lock, Dara O Briain and current wunderkinds Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre from programmes including Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats will also be flying solo.

A World Class Line-Up

The festival is celebrating its biggest international line-up yet. From the US, there’s wayward mayhem from the Iggy Pop of stand-up Rick Shapiro, outrageous comedy and hardcore swinging jazz courtesy of gay icon Lea DeLaria and a one-man two-hander from the deadpan master Rich Hall and redneck jailbird bluesman Otis Lee Crenshaw; From Australia, Edinburgh Fringe hero Brendon Burns and fellow controversy - magnet Jim Jeffries; From Canada there’s twisted raconteur Glenn Wool plus razor-sharp one-liners from Stewart Francis and flying the flag for Ireland will be comedy’s Duracell Bunny himself Jason Byrne, laidback wit from Ed Byrne and Fullmooners ringmaster Andrew Maxwell.

For those who can’t decide, the festival has gathered the cream of the world’s comedy crop together for two exclusive showcase nights - The World Stands Up with Germany’s Henning Wehn and New Yorker Marina Franklin and America Stands Up, with Sabrina Matthews introducing fellow US comics Dave Fulton, Dan Boulger and Jeff Kreisler at The Stand Comedy Club.

International housewife gigastar Dame Edna Everage who was due to perform her only UK show of 2008 live at the festival has had to postpone due to ill health and will rearrange her appearance for the 2009 festival.

Local Legends

A man with the world at his feet, Frankie Boyle needs no introduction in his hometown. Fresh from his first sell-out national tour, Frankie triumphantly returns to play a record-breaking three nights at Glasgow Academy.

As Scottish Comedy Agency Director Tommy Sheppard says

"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, enjoying a huge range of performers 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."

Des McLean has established himself as almost a festival institution having appeared every year since 2003. His performances get bigger and better each year. On Tuesday 18^th March the Clyde 1 personality will play his biggest gig yet at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal. Also at the same venue is comedian, magician and psychopath Jerry Sadowitz who’ll be eliciting gasps with his unique combination of shocking comedy and jaw-dropping magic.

Continuing the festival’s commitment to nurturing up-and-coming local talent, there are great value showcases of Scotland’s best emerging stand-ups at Sloans and Universal, plus extended solo sets from Raymond Mearns and Kevin Bridges at Glasgow’s year-round home of stand-up, The Stand Comedy Club.　

From dastardly spies to scabrous period wits, the festival celebrates its most eclectic theatre programme yet.

At the Theatre Royal there’s Patrick Barlow’s Olivier-winning smash hit comedy The 39 Steps - a hilarious re-imagining of the timeless spy story, crammed with lashings of derring-do, stiff upper lips and beautiful women.

The Ramshorn Theatre will play host to both a seminal classic- J M Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World- and hot new writing talent, with a double bill of dark comedies from Scotland’s top stand-ups: Death Of A Critic and Dysfunctional Tales while festival favourite The Essential Chic Murray, written by his daughter Annabelle and playing at Gilmorehill, captures the essence of the great man perfectly.

A special comedy season of Oran Mor’s lunchtime A Play, A Pie and A Pint plays includes Call It Sleep and Out On The Wing specifically programmed for the festival.

Those with a literary bent can take a quantum leap from the 18^th to 21^st century in the company of the double act of the 1700s Johnson and Boswell: Late But Live. In Stewart Lee’s acclaimed new play, Simon Munnery plays the Scots-loathing Doctor alongside Miles Jupp as his right hand man as they try and flog their Highland Tour Guides to a whole new audience.

Bring The Family

There’s no need to leave younger members of the family at home. This year, the festival will host an authentic comedy club that’s suitable for anyone who likes a laugh sans the rude bits! With all the unpredictability and excitement of the real thing, the Comedy Club 4 Kids will see big name comedians dropping in to showcase their best material, specially adapted for the crowd. There’s also a new interactive show from the kids’ favourite manic man, Phil Kay, the chance to go ape at Children’s Classic Concerts: Music Goes Wild and silly gags galore from Chucklevision writer Ian Billings.

For budding young comedians there’s the chance to learn the art of stand-up at the acclaimed James Campbell’s Comedy Academy 4 Kids and get creative with their own comical creation at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre’s workshops.

Fun For All

With over 40 venues around the city, you’ll never be far from the festival.

In addition to the sell-out events at the city’s premiere venues there is the opportunity to enjoy the hottest alternative acts on the circuit playing intimate gigs at pubs including Brel and Blackfriars. There’s definitely a night out to suit every taste and budget.

Glasgow Stands Up: On your Doorstep has developed its own strong reputation in local neighbourhoods around the city. Susan Calman the ‘wee lassie making big waves’ in Scottish comedy will introduce stand-up maverick Parrot and wry observationalist John Gillick in Toryglen, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Langside and Easterhouse. With a classic cabaret style setting, fully licensed bar and tickets at just £3 each, this is an ideal chance to a have a great local night out at the festival.

In true festival spirit, no matter where you find yourself and at what time, there will always be something to keep you smiling. From lunchtime plays to late night stand-up there is truly something for everyone at this year’s festival.

Book now. 99,000 tickets are on sale now and will sell fast. Call the Festival Hotline on 0870 013 5464 or visit www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

For Magners Irish Cider – Elaine Howie, Elaine Howie PR – 0131-622 3113; mobile 07720 442 881 or e-mail elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

9. Glasgow City Marketing Bureau