Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd will bring their hugely popular ‘Here Comes The Guillotine’ podcast to the stage for their first live show in Glasgow.

The comedy trio have seen their podcast go from strength to strength with everything from politics, the state of the world and celebrities discussed and they will perform it live at the SEC Armadillo during the 2025 Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF).

The event, which takes place from March 12 to 30 next year, also includes a headline show from Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon as well as Jimeoin, Russell Kane and many more.

The 2025 festival will feature shows across every genre of comedy from stand-up, live podcasts, clowning, improv, theatre, kid shows, musicals and more with all ages catered for at various venues throughout Glasgow.

More than 560 shows took place as part of 2024’s record-breaking festival, with 2025 to welcome more big names, including McCabe and Boyle.

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Susie McCabe, of Here Comes The Guillotine, said: “The three of us are really looking forward to sharing a stage together in our home town, and doing something a bit different from our established stand up!”

McDermid and Sturgeon will have their own joint show, with it being deemed the ‘ulimate night for book lovers and comedy fans’

Books and Banter sees the pair discuss books they have loved, hated and laughed at and they’ll be joined by other special guests throughout their show.

Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon said: “Books are magic. Portable magic, according to Stephen King. And like magic, books build bridges. In our case, an improbable friendship between a passionate politician and Scotland's queen of crime.

“Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship. Every conversation we have eventually meanders round to the books we are reading, what we've been enjoying, what has been making us laugh or cry, or keeping us on the edge of our seats.

“And now we want to share the love. First up, festive fun at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms with two stellar mystery guests; then off to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival where we’ll be joined by two top names from the comedy world.

“We’ll be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading. Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers."

As well as being part of the live podcast show, McCabe will return with her brand new solo show ‘Best Behaviour’ following last year’s much-loved and sold out ‘Merchant of Menace’.

The Glaswegian, who won the 2024 Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, returns to the King’s Theatre for her three night run.

Rising stars including Connor Burns, who sold out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, will take part in the festivalas well as Yorkshire native Joe Kent-Walter, and Glasgow’s own Kathleen Hughes who presents her dark debut hour with ‘Cryptid’, a show about identity and imperfection.

Acclaimed-Irish stand-up Jimeoin will also be performing, as will Never Mind the Buzzcocks regular Jamali Maddix who will showcase trademark honesty and critically acclaimed comedy in his new show ‘Aston’.

Scot’s squad’s Darren Connell continues to perform with his show taking place at the King’s Theatre, 14 years after his festival debut.

With over 175 shows already confirmed, 21 venues registered and 10,000 tickets sold, festival organisers believe the event is on track to be one of the biggest ever and have encouraged budding comedians to get involved ahead of GICF’s brochure registration deadline on 22nd November. 

Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “Following 2024’s record-breaking year, Glasgow International Comedy Festival is set to once again host comedy’s biggest and best, alongside the industry’s rising stars, for a jam-packed 19 days of wall to wall comedy featuring stand-up, live podcasts, family shows, improv and more. 

Susie McCabeSusie McCabe (Image: GICF)

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Glasgow as the funniest city in the world, as hundreds of comedians and performers set out to entertain audiences in venues all across the city. If you’ve always wanted to perform at GICF then now is the time - don’t miss out!” 

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, shared her excitement saying: “The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is a beloved gem in our vibrant cultural calendar. It showcases some of the UK’s most celebrated, award-winning comedians, billed alongside a wealth of local talent, each set to make Glasgow laugh. 

“Since its inception more than twenty years ago the quality of talent has seen it flourish, becoming Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival, with a stellar reputation for its incredible lineup. This year looks set to raise the bar higher still. 

“As we get ready for GICF 2025, it’s wonderful to announce the first acts that promise to entertain a wide range of audiences. We are already excited to welcome everyone this March for a spectacular celebration of laughter and joy!”

Venues currently registered to host GICF events include The King’s Theatre, Oran Mor, The Stand Comedy Club, SEC Armadillo, Blackfriars, Platform, The Old Hairdressers and more. 

Acts and venues can register to be included in GICF’s printed festival guide by 22nd November via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

2025 festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com with the full festival launch in early January.