Glasgow comedy festival announces award shortlist

Five performers – and one promoter – have been shortlisted for this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, presented by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

The comedians on the shortlist are all women – Amanda Dwyer, Kate Hammer, Kim Blythe, Susan Riddell and Zara Gladman – who have been nominated alongside Chris Conway, who owns and runs the Blackfriars of Bell Street comedy club. It is the first time a non-comedian has been nominated for the award in its four years.

The winner is chosen by a panel of judges, with Sir Billy making the final decision. It will be announced on March 29 at the festival’s closing gala

Dwyer is nominated following her autobiographical shows seeking humour ‘in even the darkest of places’. She said: I’m absolutely chuffed to be shortlisted for the award. Being recognised in the name of such a legend is incredibly special. I’m so proud to come from Glasgow and if I’ve even a wee bit of the Big Yin’s spirit I’m delighted about that.’

Riddell hit the headlines last summer when she was arrested in connection with a protest at an Edinburgh defence factory just before the Fringe. 

She co-hosts the podcast and monthly comedy night Material, Girl with Dwyer, has previously appeared on Scot Squad and Breaking  The News, and provided tour support for Fern Brady and Larry Dean. 

She said: ’It’s a real honour to be shortlisted. I’m so chuffed. I hear my podcast partner Amanda Dwyer is also up for this award and I will of course fight her to the death if Billy Connolly so wishes.’

Conway charges no fees for comedians to hire Blackfriars, meaning acts keep all of their ticket money. He has also funded a local comedian Jack Traynor’s debut Edinburgh Fringe run and plans to support another act this year. ’I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated, especially being the first non-comedian to be shortlisted,’ he said. ’This nomination is not just for me but the entire team at Blackfriars Basement.’

Canadian comic Hammer moved to Scotland more than five years ago and has since become co-host of All Mouth, one of the only professional monthly queer comedy shows in the country.  Her current festival show, Government Approved Comedian, draws on her experience of navigating the visa process to remain in the UK. 

‘When I moved here five and a half years ago from a goat farm, I did not think my comedy would be in front of THE Billy Connolly,’ she said. ’I’m pinching myself to be included among some of the funniest people in the world on this list. 

‘As someone who re-started their life and comedy career in Scotland, this is a massive honour for me. I could not have gotten here without the best and most hilarious community surrounding me. I’m so happy to live in the funniest city in the world. It keeps me young. Well, my laugh lines have gotten cavernous — but in a cool, hot way.’

Blythe, who began her comedy career through the festival’s introduction to comedy course, has gone on to build a following through viral online sketches. She said: ’I’m still not over being shortlisted last year, so to be up there two years in a row is mental/ I’m incredibly grateful to GICF for the opportunity. It’s a testament to my grit, perseverance and pure desperation.’

Gladman is a writer, performer and producer who balances her comedy career with a full-time academic job. Her viral characters include West End mum Aileen, and she wrote, directed and starred in her own BBC special, Good For Her. She was also shortlisted in 2024. 

’Glasgow’s had it tough recently but I hope you’ll excuse the cheesiness when I say that it’s the people who make this city – and Billy Connolly is one of the best,’ she said. ’Humour gets you through. I feel lucky to live in such a funny city. Thank you for this huge honour.’

Previous winners have been Janey Godley in 2023, Susie McCabe in 2024 and Rosco McClelland, who won last year. 

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival runs until March 29, with more than 560 shows taking place across the city. The final nigh gala, where the Billy Connolly winner will be announced, takes place t the King’s Theatre, where the bill includes Karen Dunbar, Des Clarke, former MP Mhairi Black, Connor Burns, Stuart Mitchell and Susan Riddell.

Published: 13 Mar 2026