'You get such a buzz from making people laugh': the comedy festival gig featuring Scotland's funniest over-60s

Now a major Scottish comedy festival is set to prove the saying is true - with a show featuring only budding comedians who hold an over-60s bus pass.

Dubbed “The Old Ones Are the Best”, the gig will run as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF), following a four-week crash course in stand-up.

The first-of-its-kind programme, run by GICF and charity Age Scotland, was oversubscribed, with a selected group chosen to work with award-winning comedian Viv Gee - who has taught stand-up for almost 30 years - to develop material , build confidence and prepare to perform live on stage.

Retired marketing professional Andy Burke, 67, from Springburn, is one of those taking part in the comedy course.

Mr Burke said: “I’m 67 now and technically a pensioner, but I’ve got no interest in slowing down. I’ve always been a positive person, and humour has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Even in my working days, I realised that if you can make people laugh, it helps you connect with them straight away.

“Trying comedy later in life has been brilliant. After my partner Irene passed away 18 months ago, two wonderful friends, Catherine and Stacey, really helped me through a difficult time. They took me from the depths of despair to a place of acceptance and progress, and it was actually them who encouraged me to give stand-up a go.”

He added: “I absolutely loved it. You get such a buzz from making people laugh and seeing people leave with a smile on their face. My advice to anyone older thinking about trying something new is simple: just go for it. You might be more gifted than you think.”

Research by the Edinburgh Fringe Society last year revealed a stark "comedy generation gap." While over-60s make up a significant portion of the festival audience, fewer than five per cent of performers in the stand-up comedy category were over the age of 60.

Ms Gee said: “Working with these incredible Glaswegians has been an absolute joy. Comedy has no age limit, and who has better stories than people who’ve actually lived a bit?

“They’ve learned how to find the funny in their own lives, how to structure a joke, how to handle a microphone and, most importantly, how to trust their own voices. Audiences are in for a treat.”

Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said: “Loneliness remains a significant issue for many older people, but opportunities like this show just how powerful connection, creativity and laughter can be. Comedy brings people together - it builds confidence, fosters friendships and reminds us all that joy doesn’t diminish with age.

“We hope this showcase inspires others to try something new, stay socially connected and embrace the well-being benefits that shared laughter can bring.”

The gig takes place on 1 April at The Social Hub in Glasgow at 6pm. Tickets are on a pay what you can basis, with all proceeds going to Age Scotland.