A group of first-time comedians are proving laughter has no age limit.
The group of 10 over-50s took to the stage in Glasgow with just four weeks of training, delivering five-minute stand-up routines as part of The Old Ones Are The Best showcase during the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF).
The course - run by The Social Hub in partnership with Age Scotland and the GICF - aimed to boost confidence, reduce loneliness and show that it’s never too late to try something new.
James Rennie, of The Social Hub, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our class of 2026, many of whom had never tried comedy before stepping on stage last night.
“The audience reaction says it all.
“A huge amount of work went into the course from both the participants and their mentor, Viv Gee, and it was brilliant to see it all come together.
“The Old Ones Are The Best is all about showing there’s no age limit to comedy, and last night proved exactly that.”
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The fledgling comedians tackled subjects from prostate exams to life in Glasgow as a blind person, filling the room with laughter through personal stories, one-liners and sharp timing.
Ronnie Bergman, a 74-year-old retired journalism lecturer who took part in the course, has praised the experience for helping improve his confidence.
He said: “The course has really improved my ability to engage with strangers and given me more confidence in creating my own material.
“When you live alone you have to say right, jacket on, out you go.
“Sometimes you just need a reason to leave the house and meet people.
“This course gave me that because it meant I had somewhere to be on a Monday morning and something to focus on.”
The project was designed to challenge stereotypes around ageing while giving older people a creative outlet to build confidence, connection and community.
Research by Age Scotland shows around one in 10 older people in Scotland experience chronic loneliness, the equivalent of one on every street.
The charity also found that 36% of over-50s do not get to do the activities they enjoy as often as they would like.
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Marie MacLaren, 88, said: “I was nervous at first because I thought you just stood up and told a couple of jokes and that was it.
“I didn’t realise how much goes into it.
“You have to build a story, work on the timing and think about what people will find funny.
“It’s not easy, but that’s what makes it so good.”
The course was led by award-winning comedian Viv Gee and focused on helping participants write material, develop stage presence and gain the confidence to perform.
Many of the comics now plan to keep performing.
Marie said: “If I was asked to do more, I would definitely say yes.
“As long as I can still stand up and make people laugh, I’ll keep going.
“I don’t think you should ever stop.
“If something comes along and you fancy it, just do it.”
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