Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made her comedy debut on Saturday evening at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, just days after being cleared in a police investigation concerning the Scottish National Party’s finances. The event took place at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, where Sturgeon was joined on stage by her friend and bestselling crime author Val McDermid, in a show titled “Books and Banter.”

Sturgeon, who expressed her gratitude towards her supporters during the performance, was cheered by an audience of approximately 1,700 people. The atmosphere was buoyant as McDermid welcomed Sturgeon, celebrating her as “free and out in the world” following the conclusion of the police probe. Sturgeon was informed earlier in the week that she would not face any charges, alongside former party treasurer Colin Beattie. This police investigation had been a significant event in her political life, with Sturgeon stating that the last couple of years had been “interesting”.

During the show, which also featured guests including crime novelist Christopher Brookmyre and comedian Ashley Storrie, Sturgeon shared her appreciation for the support she received from friends and members of the public during this tumultuous period. She remarked, “The last couple of years I wouldn’t have got through it without some really good pals, Val and Jo (McDermid’s wife) chief among them, but also without so many of you,” thanking the audience for their encouragement.

McDermid’s jovial approach included light-hearted commentary on the investigation, noting that her scripted opening remarks about the inquiry were rendered obsolete by the police’s recent announcements. Sturgeon quipped, “You can take the girl out of politics but you can’t take the politician out of the girl,” when referring to the editing of McDermid’s remarks related to the investigation.

The performance was described as a pun-filled evening, reflecting both Sturgeon’s political background and McDermid’s witty storytelling. Sturgeon acknowledged how their friendship was fostered not only through shared jokes but also mutual interests in literature and discussion about political events. They also entertained the audience with anecdotes about their initial meeting, which McDermid had turned into a dinner invitation characterised by an extensive thought process about culinary skills.

Audience members reacted warmly throughout the event, with one heckler proclaiming, “You’re our Queen Nicola,” eliciting giggles and further playful exchanges between Sturgeon and McDermid. Sturgeon’s involvement in the comedy event marks a notable pivot away from her previous political career, especially as she announced plans not to seek a position in the Scottish Parliament again in 2026.

As Sturgeon wrapped up the show, she elicited laughter from the audience by referencing late comedian Janey Godley, who provided voiceovers for Sturgeon’s COVID briefings and passed away the previous November. Sturgeon playfully acknowledged the memories associated with Godley, further solidifying the tone of camaraderie and humour that permeated the evening.

Sturgeon and McDermid concluded their debut comedy performance with a standing ovation from the audience, highlighting the support embedded within the Scottish public for both figures amidst a changing socio-political landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services