Glasgow has launched a search for its funniest pensioner, inviting anyone with banter and a bus pass to step into the spotlight.
Applicants will secure a place on a free comedy course, culminating in a performance slot at this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
Both the four-week course and the April 1 showcase will take place at The Social Hub, official community partners of the festival and the creators of the initiative, delivered in partnership with Age Scotland, the Scottish charity for older people, and Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF).
The launch comes off the back of recent research by Age Scotland that found around 1 in 10 older people in Scotland experience chronic loneliness – the equivalent of one on every street in the country. The charity has also found that 36% of over 50s do not get to do the activities they like to do to relax and have fun as much as they would like.
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Comedy-curious pensioners are invited to nominate themselves, or friends and family can nominate an older person they think would bring serious banter to the table. Applications close on February 23.
The course will be led by Viv Gee, an award-winning comedian and lecturer in stand-up comedy at the University of Strathclyde as part of GICF’s Comedy Connects programming. Gee already runs the festival’s Introduction to Comedy course for women and marginalised genders, and the First Time Funnies show. Up to sixteen participants will be guided through writing material, building confidence and performing live on stage.
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 cafés, 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.”
Supporting older people to age well through social connection is a key part of Age Scotland’s work.
Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said: “We’re proud to partner 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 underrepresented 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.”
All proceeds from the April 1 showcase will go to Age Scotland.
Older people who want to take part, or anyone keen to nominate someone they know, can find out more and apply by emailing [email protected]. The course will be filled on a first come, first serve basis and applicants will be notified by 5pm on 23 February. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.
Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival, GICF runs from 11–29 March 2026 in venues across the city with international names including Rosie O’Donnell, Ruby Wax, Daniel Sloss, Alan Davies, Sue Perkins, Tom Davis and more, as well as the very best up and coming talent. Tickets are on sale at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com.
