​

Gita Blaze - The Absolutely Baltic Comedy story 

 

What do you do when life brings you a new beginning in the funniest city in the world? Of course – become a stand-up comedian!

​

I still wonder how this happened to me. A Latvian who never been to a stand-up comedy show, couldn’t even recognize world-famous comedians and would never dream to be on the stage with a microphone in hand.

​

But – I always have loved laughter and always tried to look for the funny side of everything. I was a journalist in Latvia for all my life and loved to tell stories, however I had been told not to look so much on the humorous side. The Baltic people are serious, and I was so surprised when I moved to Scotland. I had a feeling – everyone is joking, laughing and nobody takes themselves too seriously. I felt I may fit in well here. My language was limited, and I was hoping to learn proper English in Glasgow.

​

To explore more of Scotland, I joined a Meetup group and, on the trip, met a man who had worked as a TV producer. He seemed very impressed by my stories and jokes and advised me to try Stand-up comedy. Not only advised – he encouraged me to attend a Viv Gee stand-up comedy course. My first ever comedy performance was with our comedy class. There were many people from my Meetup group in the public supporting me and for the first time I experienced how comedy brings people together. And it was such a great experience with my opening Baltic joke there – everyone just burst out laughing; I remember how much I was surprised when a wave of laughter hit me for the first time. I can’t even remember how I got home after the show, the only thing I remember is somebody shouting outside of the venue: “Baltic, Baltic!” while laughing.

​

My first open spot at a professional comedy show was at the Rotunda Comedy club with Raymond Mearns, Gary Little and Jay Lafferty. I didn’t know them and felt confident enough to do my Baltic jokes again. A total beginner together with the Scottish comedy grands! But the public laughed again and Raymond Mearns very kindly told me – I will be like him after 10 years. That was great. I am nearly halfway now after my three years!

​

I met so many funny comedians on my three-year comedy journey. And even if we are from different backgrounds and cultures, I still feel close to the people who like to laugh and value the funny side of life. I feel welcomed at the comedy circuit and Glasgow feels more like a home to me since I have started stand-up comedy. I have been at many interesting venues with comedy shows not only in Glasgow but all-around Scotland.

​

My biggest stand-up adventure so far has been an opener role at Mark Black’s show at the Pavilion theatre. And it led to the role in Paul Black’s comedy film “Govan Queen” this year. As a little girl I dreamed to be an actress and some 50 years after – that dream finally became true.

​

At the comedy class I met a Welsh comedian, Thomas Craven, and we became good friends. We did a split show at the Glasgow Comedy Festival and Thomas not only encouraged me to do my solo show next year but also created a stunning poster for it.

​

My first solo show “Absolutely Baltic” will be at “Blackfriars” on 15th March. I would like to make my Glasgow Comedy Festival show a celebration of life, friendship and adventures. Life is so unpredictable, interesting and… a beautiful privilege. Let’s celebrate it together with some great laughter!