Comic Kate secures financial help for her Edinburgh Fringe debut

Glasgow-based comic Kate Hammer will be getting help staging her Edinburgh Fringe show this year after being named the recipient of a fund helping up-and-coming comedians.

Her upfront costs such as registration, venue, PR, street team, poster and flyer printing and more will be covered by Glasgow comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street in conjunction with producers Brass Tacks Comedy.

Hailing from Canada, Kate Hammer has made Glasgow her home for the past five years, becoming a regular on the Scottish comedy circuit and is Shortlisted for Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award  to be announced on Sunday.

Hammer – who  will bring her debut hour Government Approved Comedian  to Monkey Barrel this August – said: 'Being chosen for this funding support is not only life-changing as a debut act, but so validating as a comedian. 

‘The fact that the team at Blackfriars believe in me as an act, and want to help me go far makes me feel emotions I have been repressing since my goat farming days.

‘This industry makes us juggle so much, and this funding means I have more people helping me, and more time to do the idea justice. I honestly cannot wait to do a full run and know that with this help, I’ll be able to do the show that I want to do and make it the best it can be.’

Last year Blackfriars  funded Cumbernauld comic Jack Traynor under the same scheme.

Chris Conway, owner and promoter of Blackfriars of Bell Street said: 'There was only one act in our mind to support this year - Kate Hammer is an incredible comic who we love having perform in the club and we cannot wait to see her take on the Fringe. We know she’ll make the absolute most of it.’

Conway is also shortlisted for this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Award, the only non-comedian on the list.

Published: 25 Mar 2026