GICF unveils nominees for Billy Connolly Spirit Of Glasgow Award 2026
Susan Riddell, Zara Gladman and Kim Blythe lead this year’s shortlist, which marks the most women nominated for the award in its four-year history
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As Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) kicks off, the festival has announced nominees of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit Of Glasgow Award, a celebration of comedians that embody Connolly’s ethos of resilience, openness and crackin' patter.
Now in its fourth year, the award has become a mark of prestige for up-and-coming comedians, and is chosen by a panel of industry experts and Connolly himself.
Women lead this year’s nominees, which features Amanda Dwyer, Kate Hammer, Kim Blythe, Susan Riddell and Zara Gladman. Also featured is Chris Conway, the first non-comedian to make the shortlist, for his work establishing Blackfriar’s Basement as a vital space for comedy.
Dwyer has made her name with a story-driven style, and also become favourite on the comedy scene for the Material, Girl comedy events she programmes with Riddell, which platforms female talent from Scotland’s comedy scene. Riddell made headlines last year after being charged with terrorism for driving a Ford transit van into the perimeter fence of the controversial Leonardo facility in Edinburgh. Her latest show Anyone Else Struggling With The Work/Genocide Balance? meditates on that experience and will play at this year's GICF. She’s been nominated for the award before and hit number 23 in our latest Hot 100 list.
Hammer, a Canadian comic who moved to Scotland five years ago, has become a regular on the Scottish comedy scene for her exuberant style and expert crowd interaction. Blythe made her name from viral videos on social media, and has negotiated the tricky leap from social media to stage with great success. She also hit our Hot 100 for ‘breaking into the nation’s consciousness' and was nominated for the Connolly award last year.
Gladman, meanwhile, managed a sell-out Fringe run for her show Aileen: Cameron’s Gap Year Fundraiser in 2025, alongside a well-received BBC pilot Good For Her, and was championed in our Hot 100 for ‘emphasising financial barriers faced by many acts in August.’ Previous recipients of the award are Janey Godley in 2023, Susie McCabe in 2024 and Rosco McClelland in 2025.
The winner of this year’s award will be announced at GICF’s closing gala, which will feature performances from Des Clarke, Mhairi Black, Ifrah Qureshi, Karen Dunbar, Connor Burns, Stuart Mitchell and more.
Here’s the full shortlist:
- Amanda Dwyer
- Chris Conway
- Kate Hammer
- Kim Blythe
- Susan Riddell
- Zara Gladman
Dwyer 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!’
Conway said: ‘I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, especially being the first non-comedian to be shortlisted. This nomination is not just for me but the entire team at Blackfriars Basement and the head office team that have helped build and create a comedy club that supports comedians and lets them flourish.’
Hammer said: ‘Hell yes. 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, and 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 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.’
Riddell 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.’
Gladman said: ‘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. Humour gets you through. I feel lucky to live in such a funny city. Thank you for this huge honour!’
Our latest issue featured a wealth of coverage for GICF, including top tips from comics playing the festival, an interview with Judi Love, and a chat with former Spirit Of Glasgow nominee Marjolein Robertson.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival, various venues, Glasgow, Wednesday 11–Sunday 29 March.
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