Fred Macaulay

Fred MacAulay is a Scottish stand-up comedian renowned for his quick wit, observational humour, and effortless ability to connect with audiences across corporate, broadcast, and live entertainment settings. Over three decades, he became the first Scottish compere at London's Comedy Store, presented BBC Radio Scotland's MacAulay & Co for 18 years, and appeared regularly on Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, QI, and The News Quiz. After health challenges forced the cancellation of his 2025 Edinburgh Fringe shows and autumn tour, Fred returned with renewed energy in 2026, touring Scotland with Good Evening! and performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. His sessions help audiences find levity in politics, family life, and current affairs, delivering warmth and laughter that leaves people energised, entertained, and equipped with a refreshed outlook on modern life's everyday absurdities.

Fred MacAulay arrived at stand-up comedy at the age of 31, having graduated from the University of Dundee with a degree in Accountancy and Jurisprudence. That late start launched a career spanning more than three decades, during which he became the first Scottish compere at London's Comedy Store, presented BBC Radio Scotland's MacAulay & Co for 18 years, and established himself as a fixture on panel shows including Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, and QI. His television work has ranged from hosting the BBC talk show McCoist and MacAulay to appearing on Radio 4 favourites such as I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, Just A Minute, and The News Quiz, where his contributions spanned nearly two decades. Beyond broadcasting, Fred has taken on charity challenges that include kayaking the Caledonian Canal in temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius for Sport Relief, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to support diabetes research, and lasting seven nights on Comic Relief Does Fame Academy in 2007, buoyed by enthusiastic Scottish voters.

Fred's credentials extend across multiple platforms and international stages. He has hosted programmes including Life According to Fred and the critically successful Scots on the Box for BBC Scotland, whilst maintaining a presence at the Edinburgh Fringe and comedy festivals worldwide. His work as an after-dinner speaker and awards presenter has taken him to Australia, Hong Kong, America, Iceland, France, and Spain, demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences. The University of Dundee awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2006 in recognition of his service as Rector. Currently, Fred hosts a radio show on Greatest Hits Radio in association with Tunnocks, and his reputation for quick wit and observational humour continues to draw on years of live circuit experience. After a freak accident and an unrelated prostate cancer diagnosis forced the cancellation of his 2025 Edinburgh Fringe shows and autumn tour, Fred returned with renewed energy in 2026, touring Scotland extensively with his show Good Evening! and performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he also presented his celebrity interview series Fred MacAulay in Conversation.

Fred helps audiences find humour in the everyday realities of politics, family life, and current affairs, drawing on his extensive experience as a guest on The News Quiz and his perspective as a grandfather. His performances offer corporate and public events a blend of topical commentary and personal observation, delivered with warmth and timing honed over decades on stage. Whether addressing international business audiences or Scottish theatre-goers, Fred creates an atmosphere of genuine connection and laughter that leaves people energised and entertained. His ability to tackle contemporary issues with levity whilst remaining relatable, even when drawing comedy from life's more difficult moments, ensures that audiences take away not just memorable moments, but a refreshed outlook on the challenges and absurdities of modern life.