Glasgow’s funniest pensioner wanted free stand-up course for over-60s

Launched as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the scheme is open to anyone old enough for a bus pass and offers the chance to take part in a four-week stand-up comedy course, culminating in a gig in Glasgow on April 1.

The course begins on March 9.

It is delivered by comedian Viv Gee, and organisers hope it will uncover hidden talents while also tackling loneliness. (Image: GT)

It is delivered by comedian Viv Gee, and organisers hope it will uncover hidden talents while also tackling loneliness.

Ben McLeod, general manager at The Social Hub Glasgow, said: "For me, Glasgow is the funniest city in the world, and that’s not just because of its great comedians, but because of the day-to-day interactions in cafes, at bus stops and on the street.

"We’re all about opening doors, giving people new opportunities and bringing people together.

"Together with Age Scotland and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, we’ve created this concept to celebrate older people at the festival, provide an opportunity for older people to learn something new, and create community in every sense – both behind and in front of the mic.

"I think we might just unearth a hidden gem.

"I can’t wait to meet the applicants."

The free course will be held at The Social Hub in Glasgow and will end with a performance at the same venue.

Participants can nominate themselves or be nominated by friends or family.

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: "We’re proud to be partnering with The Social Hub and Glasgow International Comedy Festival to help bridge the generation gap in comedy.

"Older people have a wealth of stories and life experience to draw on, but they are often under-represented on comedy stages.

"We also know that opportunities for creativity and social connection can be harder to come by in later life.

"By creating a welcoming route into stand-up, we hope this programme will inspire more older people to give comedy a go, connect with like-minded individuals and have a lot of laughs along the way."

It is delivered by comedian Viv Gee, and organisers hope it will uncover hidden talents while also tackling loneliness. (Image: GT)

The idea was inspired by Age Scotland research, which found that one in 10 older Scots experiences chronic loneliness, and 36% of people over 50 felt unable to find time for hobbies or activities they enjoy.

Viv Gee, who will lead the course, has experience in lecturing in stand-up comedy at the University of Strathclyde as part of the comedy festival’s Comedy Connects programme.

Michael Bochel, head of marketing and sponsorship at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, said: "As Sir Billy Connolly once said, Glasgow is the funniest city in the world bar none and Glasgow International Comedy Festival is set to celebrate that ethos with 19 days of comedy this spring.

"So many people think about trying stand-up but never get the chance or feel confident enough to do it.

"We hope this partnership with The Social Hub and Age Scotland can help people fulfil a lifelong ambition and tick something off their bucket list.

"The course participants will be in very safe hands with Viv, who is second to none as a comedy coach, and I know it will be an incredible experience for everyone involved.

"The team at Glasgow International Comedy Festival can’t wait to cheer the applicants on during the showcase."

It is delivered by comedian Viv Gee, and organisers hope it will uncover hidden talents while also tackling loneliness. (Image: GT)

Those interested in taking part can email glasgowcomedycourse@wearestoryshop.com or write to Comedy Course, The Social Hub, 15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow G1 1TQ.

Applications must be submitted by February 23, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome by 5pm on the same day.