Glasgow Comedian Amanda Dwyer Triumphs with Prestigious Billy Connolly Award
Glasgow-based comedian Amanda Dwyer has declared herself "over the moon" after being crowned the winner of the 2026 Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. The 36-year-old performer received the honour during a special gala event at the historic King's Theatre on Sunday, marking a highlight of the Glasgow Comedy Festival.
A Personal Congratulations from Comedy Royalty
The ceremony took an emotional turn when Sir Billy Connolly himself appeared via a personalised video message to congratulate the winner directly. "Hello everybody, I hope you're enjoying the Gala," began the legendary comedian. "Comedy's come a long way when they give you Galas. Galas were for Bearsden people."
Turning his attention to Dwyer, Connolly delivered his unique brand of praise: "I'd like to congratulate the winner, Amanda Dwyer, who is superb and knows more about bumholes than I do. Have a ball – enjoy yourself."
Emotional Acceptance and Historic Recognition
Visibly moved, Dwyer accepted the engraved glass trophy featuring Sir Billy's self-portrait from host Susie McCabe. Speaking to the Press Association afterwards, she described the experience as "amazing" and "the most surreal moment in my life."
"I'm absolutely over the moon, and I'm in shock, complete shock, I can't believe it," Dwyer confessed. "I can't believe he's saying my name. He's up on the screen in the King's Theatre congratulating me on winning an award that's in his name. It was just crazy. I nearly fainted I think."
Dwyer becomes only the fourth recipient of this prestigious award, joining previous winners Rosco McClelland (2025), Susie McCabe (2024), and Janey Godley (2023). The award specifically recognises individuals who most personify the "Spirit of Glasgow" through their work and character.
Breaking Barriers in Comedy
This year's competition featured a particularly notable shortlist that included five female comedians – the highest number of women ever nominated for the award – alongside the first non-comic contender. Dwyer highlighted this development as evidence of "how strong the female comics that we have on the scene are."
Known for her distinctive approach to comedy, Dwyer has built a reputation for finding humour in challenging subjects. Her breakthrough autobiographical shows explore what she describes as "the raw, and often traumatic, realities of being a woman."
"I think my comedy can be quite sad sometimes, like the topics I discuss are very personal things," she explained. "My last show was about miscarriage. I think if you were to just go and listen to a seminar or something on miscarriage, it would be quite upsetting and quite jarring. But I think with comedy, when you're able to laugh and relax and enjoy the conversation, then it makes it more accessible to people, and encourages people to be more open about these things."
Creating Space for Female Voices
Beyond her own performances, Dwyer has actively worked to support other women in comedy. She founded Material, Girl – a monthly comedy show that has evolved into a successful podcast. Featuring exclusively female and non-binary line-ups at The Stand comedy club, the initiative aims to platform underrepresented voices and create welcoming spaces for women in the industry.
Official Recognition from Festival Leadership
Glasgow Comedy Festival director Krista MacDonald offered glowing praise for the winner. "Amanda Dwyer is a comic who personifies the city she comes from in every way," MacDonald stated. "Something Glaswegians are renowned for is finding humour even in dark times, and that is something Amanda does so deftly and thoughtfully in her comedy."
MacDonald continued: "Amanda's deadpan delivery and wicked sense of humour have been making waves in the Scottish comedy scene for the past five years, and her commitment to making comedy more welcoming for new female voices is just another way in which Amanda embodies the Spirit of Glasgow."
The festival director concluded with congratulations to Dwyer and the entire shortlist, noting that they "all reflect the heart and humour of the Festival, and of Glasgow." With this victory, Amanda Dwyer has secured her place among Glasgow's most celebrated comedic talents, carrying forward the legacy of one of Scotland's greatest entertainers.
