Armando Iannucci, Jennifer Saunders, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Stefani Robinson and the cast of Two Doors Down are among the line-up of comedy talent taking part in the BBC Comedy Festival in Glasgow on May 22-23.
Now in its third year, following on from the success of Newcastle in 2022 and Cardiff in 2023, the festival is an opportunity to gather the component parts of the comedy industry together and remind people that British comedy is one of our greatest cultural triumphs.
Across two days there will be a series of talent-led talks, panels, screenings, a short film night and two live stand-up evenings.
The Thick of It writer/director/producer Armando Iannucci will return to Glasgow to talk about his career in comedy including huge milestones such as On the Hour, The Day Today, I’m Alan Partridge, Veep, In the Loop and The Death of Stalin.
Comedy icon Jennifer Saunders’ award-winning career spans television, theatre, film and radio. She will discuss her extraordinary journey in the world of comedy including her unforgettable performances in Absolutely Fabulous and French and Saunders.
The cast of the BBC’s award-winning Glasgow sitcom, Two Doors Down, will take to the stage instead of Latimer Crescent to read two episodes from the series’ original scripts, followed by a Q & A. Taking part in Two Doors Down: Live! are Kieran Hodgson, Joy McAvoy, Doon Mackichan, Alex Norton, Jamie Quinn, Elaine C. Smith, Graham Stevely, Jonathan Watson and Arabella Weir.
To mark the final series of Inside No. 9, award-winning writer/creators Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton will discuss their careers and influences and take an in-depth dive into what has made the BBC show a modern classic.
Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer Stefani Robinson, known for the critically acclaimed FX series What We Do In The Shadows, Fargo, Atlanta and Chevalier, will talk about her career and work.
Names confirmed at the festival also include viral sensations Jonathan Pie and Michael Spicer, Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Michelle de Swarte (Spent), Robert Popper (Friday Night Dinner), Ashley Storrie (Dinosaur), and filmmakers Louis Paxton (Wreck) and Joelle Mae David (Dreaming Whilst Black).
A selection of the festival’s panels and events will be opened up for the public to attend, with free tickets available via the venues.
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy says: “We’re looking forward to hosting the BBC Comedy Festival 2024 in Glasgow this year, where we’ll be celebrating some of the finest Scottish minds making comedy today. We’ve also curated an incredible line-up of creative comic talent from across the U.K. and beyond, who will be sharing their experiences and expertise, helping to bolster our ecosystem and recognise a crucial part of British culture.”
