Elaine C Smith, in her best-known role in Rab C Nesbitt

The line-up for the event includes Paul Merton, Jimmy Carr, local favourites Craig Hill and Karen Dunbar and past- masters Jim Bowen and Ronnie Corbett.

More than 200 performers will take part in 270 shows in 30 venues throughout Glasgow with 70,000 tickets available.

The comedy festival runs from Thursday 9 March until Saturday 25 March.

Tommy Sheppard, director of event organisers Stand Out Comedy Agency, described the line-up as "truly jaw-dropping".

He said: "The first three years set incredibly high standards so it really was a challenge for us to raise the bar even higher."

Councillor Alex Mosson, chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said this year's event would be "the best ever".

Paul Merton will be among the performers at the festival

He said: "If laughter is the best medicine, I can heartily recommend the Miller Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

"Now in its fourth year, the festival has proved a huge hit with both locals and visitors.

"This year's programme features a host of household names, further reinforcing the city's reputation as one of the top centres for live entertainment in the UK."