Meet Andy Gleeks: From Groupon Gags to Fringe Firepower

Next up on my Edinburgh Fringe interview list is Andy Gleeks, probably one of my favourite people in comedy! Andy now lives down in that there England so he does.

I caught up with Andy to find out where it all started for him.

Andy Gleeks is a stand-up comic from Antrim with the kind of stories only a Northern Irish lad living in England could tell – raw, ridiculous, and painfully relatable.

Fun fact: the first time I booked Andy, it ended in a full-blown bar fight. Classic “two Norn Irish lads walk into a bar” situation – one told jokes, the other lost his front teeth ( true story ) Only one of use got paid

Now Andy’s bringing his show Fragments to the Edinburgh Fringe – it’s cheeky, funny and it proves he’s far more than just a cracking MC.

Comedy Ladder

Let’s kick off – who are you and where are you from?

I’m Andy – originally from Antrim Town, by way of Belfast

What got you into comedy? Was it a moment, a meltdown, or just madness?

A Groupon comedy course – seriously. It was a wedding present from my then-wife...

Who were your early comedy influences – the people who made you think, ‘I can do this’?

Billy Connolly, hands down. Just incredible. Closer to home – Jake O’Kane and Colin Murphy. I saw them a few times at the Empire in Belfast when I was a student – they were class.

Describe your first gig – how bad was it? Or were you one of those annoying naturals?

It was the end-of-course gig. All the acts had their friends and family in, so it was a supportive room. I necked about three litres of water from nerves. Managed my five minutes, got a couple of applause breaks, and didn’t piss myself – from fear or the water. So, a win.

Best gig moment so far – the one that reminded you why you do this?

MC’ing a hometown gig – 160 people, fully up for it. Crowdwork landed, material hit, and for one night only, I was king of comedy.

And your worst? The one that still haunts you?

Cardiff Glee. Four-hour drive for a half-empty room and a few pity laughs. Meanwhile, Oxford Glee was 30 minutes away. Eight-hour round trip, no cash, and bad vibes. Traumatising.

How would you describe your style of comedy?

Stupid stories from the North. Self-deprecating, fish-out-of-water Irish lad in England. Plenty of swearing, some sexual references. Smart, mischievous, crude.

What’s your writing process – phone notes, full scripts, or winging it?

Phone notes mostly. I’ll write it out verbatim but keep reworking it until it sounds like I’m just chatting – has to feel natural.

Is comedy getting too safe or too sensitive?

Honestly, I think the pendulum’s swinging back. People are bored of the sanitised stuff. Can’t wait to dust off the dodgy accents...

Biggest challenge for comedians today?

Making a living. Costs are insane. Gigs are fewer. Everyone’s got a day job unless they’ve made it. Plus, you have to constantly shove yourself out on socials – filming reels, editing, posting – just shouting “I’m still here!” into the void. It’s exhausting.

Tell us about your Edinburgh Fringe show – what’s it called and why should people come see it?

It’s called Fragments. 12:30pm daily at The Boston Bar, New Town. It’s about smashing your life to pieces and seeing what’s left. Funny, honest, a bit emotional – it’s the show I wanted to do. Come see it because I’m bloody good at stand-up, not just a decent MC. And yes, also because I have a landlord.

FRAGMENTS

Finally – where can people find you online or in the pub after?

Instagram and TikTok: @andygleeks. I’m not on Twitter – my heart doesn’t go out to anyone like Elon’s does. I’m on Facebook too, because I’m Boomer Adjacent. Search Andy Gleeks – you’ll find me.

Andy runs Comedy Ladder All year round if your ever in london be sure to check it out