Jnaey Godley died last year, of ovarian cancer, not just by family and friends, but also other comedians and vast number of devoted fans. While a controversial figure at times, she was very, very funny, imaginative, frank, and talented when it came to acting and writing. So a tribute show at her home comedy festival in Glasgow was both fitting and natural.
The first half provided the comedy, from friends who'd known her for many years. Daughter Ashley Storrie opening things, briefly, and you see how emotional the event was for her. Elaine C Smith had been down to compere, but sadly contracted covid, so Scott Agnew stepped in at short notice, and did a fine job. He introduced singer Tom Uri, plus fellow comics Rosco McClelland and Susie McCabe. Mostly dojng material which were favourites of their departed pal. Rosco's 'robot hoover' routine was hysterically funny, and McCabe brought full-on warmth to her recollections of Godley.
The seond half saw Agnew introduce the film Janey, a documentary about her life recorded during her Not Dead Yet tour (click here for my review of that show). Interspersed with footage of her tour material and cancer treatments, were stories of her early life (poor, sexually abused, and marrrying into a family of gangsters), her family, and the desperate situation which made her turn to becoming a professional comedian at 35. Through to fame as the voiceover queen of the pandemic, and a champion of sociopolitical causes, notably trans rights. Plus her fame/infamy as the woman with the Trump is a Cunt sign. Funny and moving in turns.
A few closing words from Storrie, including a reminder that the gig was a benefit for the 2 cancer charities who had made her mum's final month more tolerable. And we were done.
A wonderful afternoon of memories, laughs and sadness, and fitting tribute to one of Scotland's most talented comedians. And she was definitely right about Trump.
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