Marjolein ‘overwhelmed’ to be nominated for Billy Connolly comedy award
LOCAL comedian Marjolein Robertson has been nominated for a major award – with the winner set to be picked by Sir Billy Connolly.
She is one of seven names to feature on the shortlist for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
The winner will be announced at a Glasgow International Comedy Festival gala event on 30 March.
Robertson said she was “overwhelmed” to be nominated.
“Billy Connolly to me is the father of storytelling comedy,” she added.
“He broke the mould bringing his folk background and telling stories, creating images on stage.
“He’s my greatest inspiration so to be included in this makes me feel like leaving Shetland to pursue comedy and bring my home’s folktales to the stage was the right choice.”
The other names on the shortlist are Craig Hill, Kim Blythe, Paul Black Rosco McClelland, Scott Agnew and Viv Gee.
The 2025 shortlist was chosen by a panel of judges from across Scotland’s cultural spheres, including Emmy award winning actor Alan Cumming, entertainment journalist Laura Boyd, actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli and 2024 winner Susie McCabe.
The Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award was launched at the 2023 festival, with the late Janey Godley the first winner.
Any person who takes part in the Glasgow International Comedy Festival is eligible to win the award.
The ‘spirit of Glasgow’, against which is entrants are rated, is defined by the five criteria: resilient, open, unapologetic, gallus and funny.
Robertson meanwhile is currently touring her O Fringe show and is due to perform at Mareel in June.
Shetland News — free to read
Membership helps pay for journalism
If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:
- Only local ads.
- Members' weekly newsletter.
- Bookmark stories and join the comments.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
