From Scottish scientist to viral comedian: Meet Dr Zara Gladman, Glasgow’s rising comedic star
Kiera Milne
Image Credit: Cameron Brisbane Instagram
Whilst completing her PhD in zoology and embarking on her new career as a marine biologist, performing at sold-out shows at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, would seem like a dream.
However, next month the comedic star will host ‘Zara Gladman and Friends’ at the Oran Mor, Glasgow at 7pm on Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 March.
Upon selling out two-shows at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, Zara was overwhelmed by the support, “I was shocked, excited and heartened by the support. With a healthy dose of fear: everyone I know in Glasgow is going, so the show can’t be S**te”.
Image Credit: Glasgow comedy festival website
Throughout, Gladman’s comedic career, the comedian has performed as a variety of characters, such as Lady Alba, Scottish singer-songwriter man, and Glasgow’s West End Mum. Talking to Blether Magazine, Zara said that “I’ve really enjoyed doing my Scottish singer-songwriter man. The kind of guy who runs an open mic, takes himself very seriously and has strong opinions on whisky. In fact, I love playing guys in general. I’m partial to a stick-on moustache”.
“Material isn’t relatable to men, therefore not funny”
The comedy industry for several years has been dominated by male comedians, with female comedians struggling to showcase their talents. According to an article by Megan Koester, “In the world of alternative comedy, however, inequality between genders exist”. “If you’re a broad without a Netflix special to your name, the chances of you being able to monetize your stand up, in even the piss-worst clubs”.
When asked to name a Scottish comedian, more often than not you will hear the names, Sir Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle, and Ronnie Corbett, all male comedians, with many failing to name any females.
“I know women who have been told that their material isn’t “relatable” to men, therefore not funny. There’s often little recognition of the barriers that women and minority groups face to even get on stage: one of my collaborators is a single mum who has to find childcare every time she performs”, Gladman said.
“There is space in comedy for everyone”​​
“It will take a long time for the culture to change. But I think there’s a personal responsibility to be aware of our own privileges and to look out for one another. There is space in comedy for everyone!”.
“It’s not just women, there’s a lack of diversity in general, and I’m certain there are lots of hilarious voices out there still not being heard. That’s why TikTok is so brilliant for giving both audiences and comedians who are less well represented an accessible platform”, Zara told us.
Since using social media platform TikTok, Zara Gladman’s comedic talents have went viral with the star reaching up to 390,000 views and 65,000 likes on her comedy sketch, ‘My brain when I’m trying to sleep”. However, Glasgow’s West-end mum Aileen sketch, has taken the internet by storm with a parody of Pet Shop Boys 80s’ hit ‘West End Girls’, with posts gaining 19,000 likes within 24 hours of posting.
“Your job doesn’t have to define who you are”​​
Whilst creating comedic sketches and performing at sold-out venues, Dr Zara Gladman also works as a Public and Community engagement manager at the University of Glasgow, as well being a scientist by training. “You can be many things simultaneously-your job doesn’t have to define who you are. Try lots of different things and see what works for you”, Zara told us.
“I think the main thing is that you find a way to pursue what makes you happy”
Talking to Blether Magazine, Zara told us some tips to help young individuals wanting to start out in comedy!
Image Credit: Cameron Brisbane Instagram
“If you’re a postgrad student then Bright Club is another way in, to do stand-up about your specialist subject”.
“There are lots of different ways to do comedy, from straight stand-up to musical comedy, sketches, writing, TikTok.”
“Taking the first step is the hardest part. Do what YOU think is funny and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.”
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Dr Zara Gladman will be performing at the Oran Mor, at the Glasgow’s Comedy festival this March, alongside comedians: Elaine C Smith, Frankie Boyle and more!