THE famous Glasgow theatre where Stan Laurel first performed is looking for the next generation of top comedians.
The Britannia Panopticon has announced the Laurel Awards, which will form part of the historic venue’s anniversary celebrations.
It is 25 years since campaigners saved the building, on New Wynd, just off Trongate. It is the world’s oldest surviving music hall, having first opened its doors in 1859.
Awards organiser and comedian Kavita Bhardwaj explains: “In 1906, a 16-year-old lad told his first joke in Glasgow’s Panopticon and he grew up to become one of the most famous comedians in the world.
“As one half of Laurel and Hardy, Stan Laurel brought laughter to billions of people, in the darkest of times, through depression, famine, strike and war.
“Today there’s not a corner of the world that doesn’t recognise the two funny men in their bowler hats. No matter what our country, culture, religion or regime, we all have one thing in common – we all love to laugh.
"As Stan himself once said, ‘comedy is a universal language.’"
The charitable trust which saved the music hall, The Friends of Britannia Panopticon, is hoping to find the “next Stan Laurel” at the awards, which will take place over a series of heats and a grand final in the summer.
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The winner will get a trophy and a small cash prize, and the opportunity to have their own show in the Britannia Panopticon during the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March 2025.
Judges include four-times Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist Graham Mackie, Still Game star Gavin Mitchell and actor and writer Tony Roper, famous for penning The Steamie, and starring as Rab C Nesbitt’s best pal Jamesie. Tony is a patron of the Friends of Britannia Panopticon.
The venue is currently looking for sponsors for the awards. For more information, visit the Panopticon’s website.
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