Budding comedians aged fifty and over have assembled in Glasgow for a special preview event ahead of an upcoming comedy showcase. The initiative, titled The Old Ones Are The Best, is set to take place on April 1 as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. This one-night-only event will feature a diverse array of older amateur comedians, all vying for the title of Glasgow's funniest senior citizen.
Training and Preparation for the Spotlight
These aspiring comics have dedicated the past four weeks to honing their craft under the expert guidance of award-winning comedian Viv Gee. Participants have been developing original material, refining their comedic timing, and building essential confidence ahead of their live stage debuts. The preview event showcased men and women from various backgrounds and careers, all united by their passion for comedy.
Addressing Social Isolation Through Creativity
The project represents a collaborative effort between Age Scotland and the Social Hub, with dual objectives of challenging stereotypes about older adults and providing creative outlets. This initiative arrives following concerning research from Age Scotland, which revealed that one in ten older people experiences chronic loneliness. Furthermore, thirty-six percent of individuals over fifty lack opportunities to engage in activities they genuinely enjoy.
Personal Stories Behind the Laughter
Among the participants is sixty-seven-year-old Andy Burke, who turned to stand-up comedy approximately eighteen months ago following the loss of his partner. A friend suggested comedy as both an outlet for his naturally humorous personality and a therapeutic coping mechanism. Burke explained, "If somebody's not got a smile on their face, I try and lend them mine for a couple of minutes. It works, I've done it for forty years."
Seventy-four-year-old Ronnie Bergman, a retired journalism lecturer, sought comedy as a new hobby to revitalize his routine. Bergman admitted, "I needed something to get myself going again, and I needed to come out my comfort zone too, and boy is this out my comfort zone, doing five minutes of stand-up."
Retired hairdresser Frances McGilp, aged sixty-nine, shared her comedic philosophy: "I see scenarios, and then decide whether I can make a joke out of it. Even with really dark scenarios, a good comedian can get a laugh out of it."
Organizational Enthusiasm for the Event
James Rennie of the Social Hub expressed considerable excitement about the upcoming showcase. He stated, "We can't wait to welcome audiences to the Social Hub for what promises to be one of the highlights of Glasgow International Comedy Festival. If the banter I've had with the contestants so far is anything to go by, it will be an incredible show."
Rennie further emphasized the unique Glaswegian perspective, noting, "What I love about this event is that it celebrates what makes Glasgow unique – the comic perspective of Glaswegians on every aspect of life in the city. The best comedy comes from lived experience, and all that will be laid bare on the Social Hub stage – I'm sure audiences will love it."
