Bruce Fummey is a Scottish stand-up comedian and after-dinner speaker renowned for his engaging storytelling and humorous insights into Scottish history and culture. 

TOUR DATES

  • 29 JAN – 02 FEB Perth WA
  • 07 – 08 FEB Melbourne VIC
  • 14 FEB Perth TAS
  • 15 FEB Hobart TAS
  • 21 FEB Canberra ACT
  • 22 FEB Sydney NSW
  • 27 FEB Brisbane QLD
  • 02 MAR Auckland NZ
  • 07 MAR Wellington NZ
  • 08 MAR Christchurch NZ
  • 13 – 15 MAR Dunedin NZ
  • 18 – 23 MAR Adelaide SA

Born and raised in Perth, Scotland, Bruce pursued a degree in physics at Paisley before embarking on a diverse career path. He has worked as a physics teacher, training consultant, and financial adviser. However, his passion for comedy led him to perform stand-up routines, eventually earning the title of Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2014. 

In addition to his stand-up career, Bruce is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, where he combines his love for history with his comedic flair, offering viewers entertaining and informative content about Scotland’s past. 

Bruce’s unique blend of humour and historical knowledge has garnered him a dedicated following, leading to performances at prestigious events and festivals worldwide. His shows are celebrated for their wit, charm, and ability to make history both accessible and entertaining.

In the coming months, Bruce Fummey will be touring Australia and New Zealand with his new show, Scotland Made the World. 

The tour includes performances in several cities, offering audiences a chance to experience his distinctive comedic style first-hand.

Anglo&Celtic caught up with Bruce to talk about his life and what audiences can expect from his upcoming tour. 

What inspired you to transition from physics and financial advising to comedy and storytelling?

“I was 39 years old and working as a financial adviser. I hated the job and saw 40 approaching. I asked myself: ‘What do you really want to work at for the rest of your life?’ I’ve never worked since.”

Your comedy blends humour with history — a unique combination. How did you discover this niche, and why does it resonate with you?

“My first show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005 was about physics, because I was a physics teacher. I got a nice review, but the guy said: ‘The only question is can he repeat this with a different subject?’ Well, what else was I enthusiastic about? The history and culture of the land that I love.”

What’s your favourite piece of Scottish history to share with audiences, and why?

“My favourite piece of Scottish history to share is whatever I’m sharing at the time. So in this tour it’s the turning points in world history that people probably don’t realise were as a result of Scotland and its people.”

Do you think Scots have a unique sense of humour? If so, how would you describe it?

“Everyone has a unique sense of humour. Everything in your live to date impacts what you find funny. When that reservoir we draw on is shared by others is where we laugh together. I think, as such, Scots can be quite self-deprecating about our humour. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Scotland Made the World sounds like an ambitious theme. What inspired the show, and what can audiences expect?

“In 2003, I started with the intention of travelling Australia and New Zealand with my son and doing a few shows along the way. It was more successful than I expected and we added Canada to what became an 18-month tour. This is my second go around and I wanted to do a show that talked about things that, whilst Scottish, had wider implications across the world.”

You’re bringing your new show to Australia and New Zealand. What excites you most about performing here?

“Visiting my son. The reason I did the last tour was really an excuse for my son. He is an Australian citizen because my wife was born in South Australia. The last show of the tour was in Melbourne, and he stayed and has made his home in Melbourne. So, whilst it’s great to be in the sun when it’s cold in Scotland and it’s great to visit new towns, like Canberra, and do shows where I haven’t before, like Sydney and Wellington, the thing that excites me most is seeing my boy.”


Among the venues Bruce’s tour will take him to are The Brass Monkey Rooftop in Perth, The MC Showroom in Melbourne, the Salamanca Arts Centre’s Founder’s Room in Hobart, Smith’s Alternative in Canberra, The Gaelic Club in Sydney, Good Chat Comedy Club in Brisbane, and The Historian and Hymn in Adelaide.

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit Bruce Fummey’s official website at www.brucefummey.co.uk.