Karen Dunbar News

GICF once again showcased Glasgow as 'the funniest city in the world' with 19 days of outstanding comedy from performers from around the world

Amanda Dwyer becomes the fourth winner of GICF's only award, with the Festival working with the Big Yin to give out the trophy in his name, celebrating all that makes comedy and the city of Glasgow so entwined with Sir Billy Connolly.

This year's winner will join previous recipients Janey Godley (2023), Susie McCabe (2024) and Rosco McClelland (2025). 

Renowned for supporting hundreds of creatives across its 21 years, PPP has staged work from notable writers including Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay, Douglas Maxwell, David Ireland and more, with some of Scotland's most prestigious actors treading the boards from Robbie Coltrane to Karen Dunbar and Elaine C Smith.  

With just four weeks to go until GICF takes over the city, comedy fans can enjoy shows from some of Scotland's most successful comedians

BroadwayWorld Scotland editor Natalie O'Donoghue highlights the top Scottish acts to see at this year's Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL UNVEILS 2026 PROGRAMME INCLUDING ROSIE O'DONNELL, ALAN DAVIES, RUBY WAX, HARRY ENFIELD AND MORE

1236 shows span many genres of the Fringe programme, including cabaret and variety; children's shows; comedy; dance, physical theatre and circus; music; musicals and opera; spoken word; and theatre.

Nae Expectations is Gary McNair’s fresh look at the Dickens classic, with a Glasgow tongue and a gallus spirit. Young Pip battles with monstrous adults, the class system and most of all his inner demons as he tries to work out who he is, what he wants to be and how to find his own way in the world.

The full cast and creative team has been revealed for Andy Arnold's last production for Tron Theatre Company, as he steps down from his role as Artistic Director after directing forty shows during his sixteen year tenure with the organisation. 

The theatre is now introducing their new programme for Autumn-Winter 2023, and announces that it will be Artistic Director, Andy Arnold's last season at the venue as he stands down from the role after almost sixteen years at the artistic helm.

Perth Theatre treated audiences to a special Boxing Day gift by sharing The Dress, a specially created video starring Scottish comedian, actor and writer Karen Dunbar.

From the producer and writer behind smash-hit Islander The Musical comes Distance Remaining - a collection of three soaring theatrical stories made for the screen starring Karen Dubar, Reuben Joseph and Dolina MacLennan.

Much-loved comedian and actor Karen Dunbar has launched a new venture in partnership with the Citizens Theatre, introducing community groups to the joys of rap with her online Spoken Word Club.

The National Theatre of Scotland is set to continue its new work over the coming months, with an innovative mix of streamed theatre and digital projects, including two new productions from leading Scottish creatives Hannah Lavery and Adura Onashile, both addressing urgent contemporary and historical issues around race in Scotland today.

In a show of confidence for arts and business collaboration in Perth, Arts & Business Scotland's Culture & Business Fund has match-funded local gin company Bright Spirits' sponsorship of Perth Theatre's The Importance of Being Earnest.

During a week when comedian Joe Lycett legally changed his name by deed poll to Hugo Boss, ever dedicated to his craft, it felt fitting to see a revival of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. The comedy about identity and the elite has been revived at Perth Theatre.

Celebrated Scottish actor and comedian Karen Dunbar has been announced as Lady Bracknell in the upcoming Perth Theatre production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Calendar Girls - The Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is the award-winning production based on the true story of the calendar girls - a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary.

Last night, Tuesday 2 April, four of the original calendar girls, Angela Baker, Beryl Bamforth, Christine Clancey and Tricia Stewart celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of their calendar, at the opening night performance of CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre. They joined the current cast, which includes Fern Britton, Anna-Jane Casey, Sara Crowe, Karen Dunbar, Rebecca Storm and Denise Welch, on stage for a very special bow, cake and bubbles.