Over 55? Enter the Silver Stand-Up Competition

The organisers of Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival have opened entries for their 2015 contest for stand-up comedians over the age of 55.

The Silver Stand-Up Competition, organised in partnership with Silver Comedy, will take place on Thursday 12th February 2015 as part of the annual festival.

The competition, supported by performers including Jasper Carrot, Arthur Smith, Alexei Sayle and Sir Bruce Forsyth, aims to provide a showcase opportunity for 'older comedians'.

Speaking about the benefits of having a bit of life experience, Arthur Smith says: "Untroubled by the need to visit night clubs or 'be cool', the old survey the world at a longer perspective and are funnier than the screaming youngsters. Who is funnier - Barry Cryer or Jedward? The old repeat themselves, the young have nothing to say - the boredom is mutual. The old repeat themselves, the young have nothing to say - the boredom is mutual."

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival set up this challenge in 2012. The first competition was won by Shelley Bridgman who continues to gig regularly across the UK and helped launch the BBC search for the best script that promotes a positive portrayal of transgender characters. The 2013 winner was Marc Lucero, who regularly gigs across London and has appeared on BBC Breakfast News. On winning the competition, Marc said "I want to change the perceptions people have of the elderly and by winning this award I have proved that humour transcends age. Now we need to convince audiences that silver comedy is just as edgy and exciting as seeing the young bucks. Winning the Silver Silver Stand Up of the Year Award also proves it is never too late to start a new career." Meanwhile the 2014 competition was won by Peter Callaghan, who recently returned from performing as part of the Old Folks Telling Jokes show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

If you're aged over 55 and fancy entering the 2015 competition you can obtain further details via kate@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk The deadline to enter is Friday 9th January 2015.

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2015 will take place from the 4th to 22nd February. For more information see www.comedy-festival.co.uk