Juvenile japes keep me sane

I RECENTLY had what you might call a milestone birthday.

I wasn’t 40 and I wasn’t 60 and if anyone reckons I look 70, I’ll be having words with them.

During my life, I’ve held down several responsible jobs and brought up three amazing kids.

Well, that wasn’t just me but I was there for the ride.

But show me a street with a dodgy name, or tell mean innuendo- laden joke and I’m as juvenile as they come.

Eight- year- olds have a more grown-up view of the world.

I could never claim to have a sophisticated sense of humour.

I’m not even sure what that is. But it sounds deeply boring.

Even I believe The Benny Hill Show belongs in the ’70s and there’s no need to screen repeats.

If Graham Norton raises a knowing eyebrow after a slightly suggestive remark, though, I’m away.

It’s the stuff of saucy seaside postcards. Now, there was a fine tradition. A text home from Blackpool just isn’t quite the same.

You know those moments when you just can’t laugh because you’re in a Serious Situation?

I’ve had so many instances of trying to stifle unsuitable giggles because someone’s said something with a bit of a double meaning.

I’m pretty sure I’ve lost jobs because of smirking at something an interviewer has asked. You can criticise me all you want. But we live in depressing times. Turn on the news and there’s a relentless diet of horrible stories.

If I get cheered up by a funny photo of The Chuckle Brothers and a fan, is that so bad?

And if everyone else is so sophisticated and worldly with their jokes these days, why do comedians like Alan Carr have their own shows?

He’s just a 21st Century version of Larry Grayson. Now, there was a man who knew who to tell a joke.

I even watched an old episode of Are You Being Served recently – look, it was a wet day, OK? – and totally enjoyed every minute of it.

There’s a world of difference between smut and sleaze.

Is anyone really offended by Mrs Slocombe’s pussy these days? It’s hardly Fifty Shades of Grey, is it?

And as for the antics of the desperados on Love Island, gie’s peace.

And yet I can understand why some people rolled their eyes at Alex Salmon d’s joke a this Edinburgh Fringe show. That wasn’t big and it wasn’t clever. It involved real people for a start. But a wee laugh at a harmless innuendo now and again? Maybe I need to grow up. Don’t hold your breath.