Fred MacAulay doesn’t believe he’ll ever emulate Still Game and sell out the Hydro, but he’s happy just to have notched up 25 years in comedy.
The funny man and Radio Scotland presenter was told years ago that stand-up was dying. But with sold-out arena tours and huge TV ratings for comedy’s biggest names, it appears to be stronger than ever.
Referring to the recent reunions of Still Game and Monty Python, the 56-year-old joked: “I’ve been thinking of making an announcement that Fred MacAulay is getting back together!
“Stand-up definitely has a few years left you only need to look at the viewing figures for TV shows like Live at the Apollo to see that.
“People want to go out and have a laugh, and that’s resulted in making a few comedians multi-millionaires.
“I think I’m fortunate to be where I am. It sounds unprofessional to say I’m jealous of other stand-ups, and while I would like their money I’m grateful to be able to sell a few tickets.
“I don’t think I’ll ever fill the Hydro even if I do get back together with myself!”
Fred was an accountant who dreamed of becoming a professional stand-up.
“It started with the So You Think You’re Funny competition at Mayfest in Glasgow in 1988.
“I then got a five-minute opening slot in Paisley that September and the following month they gave me a paid gig.
“I was keen to give up accounting and give it a real go within a couple of years, but it took five years before I was able to reach that stage.
“I couldn’t just quit my job with a mortgage over my head, so I had to present a paper to the Bank of Scotland.
“Being an accountant, I prepared a 12-page document outlining everything, but the bank manager just cast it aside and said: ‘So what’s it like to stand up on stage telling jokes?’”
Fred’s been on Radio Scotland for 17 years and has had a number of TV shows, such as McCoist and MacAulay and Life According to Fred. He’s also played at the Edinburgh Fringe for 25 years in a row.
This week, he’s headlining the opening night of the latest Scottish comedy festival, Ha-Ha Hamilton, which runs over five nights in the Lanarkshire town from Wednesday.
“It’s great,” Fred commented. “They generate interest for the stand-ups and also for the communities hosting the festivals, such as Falkirk and now Hamilton.”
Fred plays The Avon Room at The Townhouse, Hamilton, tonight at 7.30pm.
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