‘Old age shouldn’t stop us from trying new things’
Sha Wylie, 77, lives in Brighton, East Sussex.
In 2005, I made a bucket list that would change my life. I was preparing to retire from my job as a registrar and decided to create a list of fabulous things to do once retired. One of them was to take part in a comedy course – Jill Edwards runs a fantastic programme locally and I’d been tempted to give it a go. It changed my old age in ways I could never have imagined.
I live alone, and moved to Brighton from the New Forest in 2005, to be close to my grown-up children. At that age, other than your loved ones, you don’t have an audience at all – you’re invisible, so the idea of being on stage appealed.
I signed up for a course in spring 2005. There were around 25 participants, and we met once a week for three months, honing our skills and developing our acts. Our final goal was a performance for friends and family at the Sussex County Arts Club. My son, now 51, came along – he’s a very private person and started off with his head in his hands, but was laughing by the end.
I enjoyed myself so much that I just had to do it again. Luckily, Brighton has a brilliant comedy scene – there are countless nights where you showcase new material.
I made a promise to myself that I’d grab every opportunity. This did mean a few peculiar gigs at the outset, including one at a London pub in front of two drunk men and a dog, who looked at me with abject amazement. Other gigs were a roaring success, the crowd would be in stitches and I’d feel amazing. I’ve been described as ‘like your nana, but not’.
Over the years, the comedy community has really taken me in – I’ve become a kind of mascot. We all help each other. I’m now semiprofessional, doing a mixture of paid and free work.
A highlight has been performing at Leicester Comedy Festival, where I’ve twice made it to the final of their Silver Stand Up award, which celebrates comedians over 50.
When it comes to material, it’s all about finding subjects that resonate with all ages. I draw from real life and talk about old age.
While, physically, I keep myself active with seated yoga and swimming, I’m certainly not one of those old people who’d abseil down the Shard. I’m overweight, have had three knee replacements, two hips and a cataract operation.
But I’m intent on being out there, and for younger people to see me and not be so fearful of old age. I’m here to prove that it doesn’t matter what shape you’re in, you can still enjoy life.
‘The comedy community has really taken me in’