‘Paisley, you’re full of surprises’: Love Island star’s praise as first comedy festival’s hailed a hit

Audiences packed Town Hall and Arts Centre for inaugural event with former MP-turned-stand up performer among the headliners

Comedians were full of praise for Paisley after taking to the stage in the town’s first smash-hit comedy festival.

Love Island star Iain Stirling and former town MP Mhairi Black were among the headliners at the inaugural event, held from April 3 to 5.

Such was its success that the festival is poised to return, with organisers OneRen saying: “We can’t wait to do it all again.”

The stars of the shows were clearly impressed by the venues and the reaction they had from audiences.

Posting on Instagram as he looked around the auditorium at Paisley Town Hall ahead of his show, Bafta-winning Stirling told followers: “Paisley, you are full of surprises . . . Look at this - beautiful.”

Gary Meikle was another Scots star who clearly loved his show, posting: “Paisley, you never let me down . . . As ever, you make me feel amazing. So thank you all.”

And, posting after her sell-out stand-up show, Black, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South from 2015 until last year, simply declared: “No Paisley, no party.”

More than 1,600 people bought tickets for the headline shows, which also included a sell-out gig by Stuart Mitchell.

There was also a superb showcase for emerging talent at an Open Mic Night at Paisley Arts Centre, hosted by Paisley’s very own Jade Kelly, one of Scotland’s fastest rising comedy stars.

Michelle Woods, Deputy Business Development Director at OneRen, said: “The reaction to our first Paisley Comedy Festival has been fantastic. It was packed with laughs and great energy.

“A huge thank you to everyone who came along, performed, or supported in any way. We can’t wait to do it all again.”

The next major event being staged by OneRen at Paisley Town Hall is Paisley Book Festival, which takes place from April 25 until 27. Its headliners include Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, as well as Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch.