Late Bloomers Take to the Stage
Marie McLaren is a newcomer to stand-up comedy, but she is not alone in her journey at a comedy class in Glasgow.
The 88-year-old has been learning the craft of stand-up comedy from professional comedian Viv Gee over the past four weeks.
She is among a group of participants aged over 50 who attended the sessions, which will culminate in live performances at The Social Hub Glasgow.
"The danger of doing comedy as an older person is that people might think you have lost it," Marie says.
"But in my opinion age is only a number."
Marie, from East Kilbride, was nominated for the class by her daughter.
"I've always liked jokes and laughs and make a joke out of anything," she says.
"Nobody's interested in moaners, so it's quite nice to just make people laugh and enjoy life."
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Retired journalism lecturer Ronnie Bergman views the class as a chance to explore new experiences.
"You kind of disappear when you get older. You get on the bus and people ignore you," says the 74-year-old.
"I was getting too comfortable and in too much of a rut, but this is out of my comfort zone.
"I hate getting my photo taken and I'm disappointed by the sound of my own voice so this is uncomfortable - but I enjoy it."
Ronnie notes that being an older comedian offers the advantage of having heard many jokes over the years.
As the class concludes, he mentions that he will draw inspiration from Billy Connolly, whom he regards as his comedy hero.
"He's an older comedian and he's still funny," Ronnie says.
Different Perspectives on Comedy
Seventy-year-old Christine MacCormack believes her age provides a unique viewpoint in comedy.
"We look at life differently because we born in a different time," she says.
"I'm just living my best life and I just want to enjoy the experience and my five minutes in the spotlight."
Debut Performance at The Social Hub
The group made their stage debut at The Social Hub on Wednesday in a show titled The Old Ones are the Best, organised in partnership with Age Scotland.
Observers watched as they rehearsed their material ahead of their first live performance.
Drawing on decades of life experience, their jokes cover topics from birth to death, including a one-liner about being too old to buy a bag for life.
Subjects such as health issues, family life, and the habits of younger generations have also inspired their comedy.
However, these performances are far from typical "granddad jokes."
In one act, 65-year-old Mitch Milmore entertains the audience while wearing a pair of homemade bug-eyed goggles.
Meanwhile, 67-year-old Andy Burke finds humour in his hometown.
"I come from a wee fishing village in Glasgow called Springburn," he tells the audience.
"It's got some lovely pubs up there - you go in laughing and come out in stitches."
He then delivers a five-minute set filled with expletives before seeking feedback from tutor Viv.
Guidance from an Award-Winning Tutor
Viv Gee, a Scottish Comedy Awards winner, leads the class.
"The great thing about comedy is anyone can do it," says Viv.
"I can't teach them to be funny but I can teach them to be funnier."
