Speakeasy Stirling: December
Photo Credit Nigel McBain
Speakeasy Stirling is a monthly event, showcasing an eclectic mix of comedy, music, and spoken word, created to bring big-city energy into the heart of Stirling. Curated and hosted by Stirling Makar Kevin P. Gilday, Speakeasy showcases an exciting mix of emerging talent and established performers from across Scotland. Each event offers a relaxed, creative atmosphere where audiences can discover new voices, enjoy great entertainment, and be part of a vibrant cultural community.
Darren Connell, a Scottish comedian, actor and podcaster born in Springburn, Glasgow is best known for his role as Bobby in the BBC Scotland mockumentary series ‘Scot Squad’. From this role he gained a nomination for best actor at the British Academy Scotland New Talent Awards. He most recently took to the stage for a performance at Creative Stirling's speakeasy event on Friday the 5th of December where he left the audience with a buzz of laughter and joy after his hilarious comedic performance. His journey in comedy started out part time and turned full time when he was persuaded by his close friend Kevin Bridges to quit his supermarket and pursue a career in comedy. Even at the beginning of his journey he hosted many shows including shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016.
Katie Ailes, originally from Pennsylvania is an educator, poet, producer and dancer who is based in Edinburgh. She performed her spoken word poetry at Creative Stirling’s recent speakeasy event on Friday the 5th of December and brought a humorous atmosphere to the room. She performed her amazing poem published in 2019, ‘Outwith’ which the audience really connected with as the poem explores the theme of adjustment and acceptance of Scottish culture and language. Her poetry is mainly focused on identity, migration and compassion all through the feminist perspective. She has performed her spoken word poetry across the world at many festivals including: The Prague Fringe and Edinburgh International Book festival. Then she was named at Glastonbury Festival as the international Poet in Residence.
Kate Hammer is a Canadian comedian, now based in Glasgow and regularly performs in night clubs and stand up events. Best known for founding their company “INFEMOUS” which is a monthly production that aims to create a safe environment for the queer and neurodivergent community that gives that community a voice through humour. Their work has been described as “high energy” and “a tornado of charm and joy” Kate was also named a finalist this year in the stage category of the Funny Women Awards which is a big notice in the comedy community. Outside of her comedy she also does Film & TV where Kate won Grey Moth’s Witty Women award to write a short called “wild oats”. To the Speakeasy event at Creative Stirling, she brought character, humour and energy to the room causing a happy buzz throughout the crowd.
The Creative Martyrs are a musical cabaret duo act who are based in Glasgow. They took their cabaret act to the stage at the recent Creative Stirling, speakeasy event. After delivering an amazing abstract performance, the crowd was left feeling energized and some even creatively inspired by their act. Their musical performances mainly contain ukulele and cello but have also featured instruments such as the kazoo. They are known for their appearance in various festivals including The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their performances are often a blend of music and theatre creating an upbeat atmosphere and audience interaction.
A huge thank you to Creative Scotland for funding this project and helping us bring more creativity into the heart of Stirling. Creative Stirling members living in the Mercat Cross area receive discounted tickets to every Speakeasy Stirling event.
Our next Speakeasy will take place on Friday, 6 February, and we can’t wait to see you there. Keep an eye out for updates, announcements, and performer reveals.
Find out more here.
- Lucy Ballantine