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CHRIS FORBES When you work in comedy full-time and see stand-ups performing every weekend, it’s easy to become a little anaesthetised by seeing the same type of thing again and again. That’s why I’m mostly looking forward to seeing Richard Gadd’s Waiting for Gaddot. Convention and predictability go out the window when Gadd performs, allowing you to enjoy a very real, visceral and, above all, entertaining experience. His surreal, absurdist and at times violent style won’t be for everyone but if you’re into that kinda thing, you’ll love it. Chris Forbes, The Hug and Pint, Sat 19 Mar; Richard Gadd, The Stand, Sun 13 Mar.
ALAN BISSETT One of my favourite Scottish comedians is Julia Sutherland, who does the most wonderful line in goofball self-deprecation. Nobody works through their ‘issues’ so hilariously. Her new show is about her various failings as a parent. Creche not provided, just in case she goes all Anakin Skywalker on your loved ones. Alan Bissett, Tron Theatre, Fri 11 Mar; Julia Sutherland, Yesbar, Fri 11, Fri 25 Mar.
VIV GEE I’m looking forward to seeing Stuart Mitchell. His sharp one-liners and observations never fail to make me laugh. There is no waste in his sets, every detail and every line has been carefully planned to get maximum laughs which stay with you long after seeing him. Viv Gee: Stand-Up Comedy Crash Course, Yesbar, Mon 14, Mon 21 Mar; Stuart Mitchell, Yesbar, Thu 24 Mar.
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FERN BRADY I i rst met Darren Connell in 2011. We were in the i nal of a comedy competition and he kept spewing with nerves then trying to hug me. I didn’t hear from him after that, other than the odd drunk message on Facebook where he’d ask to have sex with me and mention his ‘fudge tits’. Last year I saw him do a sold-out show where women were genuinely throwing themselves at him and realised I’d missed my chance. The best bit was when he mentioned getting recognised from Scot Squad while still working as a window cleaner. I thought he was making it up until his boss from the window cleaning company started heckling him. His show this year is going to be even better. JAY LAFFERTY Glasgow’s comedy festival has all the innovative shows that the Fringe does without the pressure of performing for 28 l ipping days. Like Glasgow’s life expectancy, it’s short and sweet. Go see The Last Laugh: it mixes stand-up and theatre to highlight why you should never date a comic!
JULIA SUTHERLAND If he’s not sold out (again!), go and see Gary Little. Gloriously honest stand-up from one of our best storytellers, guaranteed to provide big belly laughs throughout. Julia Sutherland, Yesbar, Fri 11, Fri 25 Mar; Gary Little, Webster’s Theatre, Sat 12 Mar.
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ALLY HOUSTON I love Chunks. No breaks, no stand-up. Each act is allowed a short Chunk of time on stage. When each Chunk is i nished and if the idea worked, you’re left wanting more; if not, who cares, you’re already munching the next Chunk of pop- culture monster mash. Ally Houston, The Grifi n, Fri 11 Mar; Chunks, The Grifi n, Mon 14, Wed 16, Sun 27 Mar.
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KEIRON NICHOLSON When I met Nicholas Cooke he was busy launching a cult comedy night hosted by a talking bear who screamed tearfully at audiences about the time he had to mercy-kill Paddington. Since then his tastes have turned away from the mainstream.
Keiron Nicholson, The Grifi n, Tue 22 Mar; Nicholas Cooke, The Grifi n, Tue 22 Mar.
Fern Brady, Blackfriars Basement, Thu 24 Mar; Darren Connell, The Stand, Wed 16, Fri 18 Mar. Jay Lafferty, Yesbar, Sat 12 Mar; The Last Laugh, Cottiers, Thu 24 Mar. For more Scottish comedian picks see list.co.uk
4 Feb–7 Apr 2016 THE LIST 31