Game for a laugh! 82-year-old pensioner studies stand-up comedy at The University of Manchester
Last updated 10/21/2008 8:55:36 AM
82-year-old pensioner studies stand-up comedy at The University of Manchester
An 82-year-old pensioner who recently graduated in history atThe University of Manchester is now turning his hand to stand-up comedy.
Robert Benjamin will be spending time in the company of experienced comedy writer Jenny Roche at a day school laid on by the university.
The pensioner, who describes himself as a frustrated comic, will be drawing on Liverpudlian origins when he tries out his routine on fellow classmates.
"Liverpool is the comedy capital of the world," says the Scouser who hails originally from Bootle but now lives in Manchester."It's because we are able find something funny in the face of adversity."
The would-be comic, who enjoyed a 42-year-career as a solicitor in Liverpool, claims the city's magistrates court is a rich source of humour.
"Despite the seriousness of the business carried out in court, I've witnessed some of the funniest things," he said. "Once a judge asked a defendant if he had anything to say before he passed sentence and the defendant answered, "Beam me up Scotty."
Robert had missed his chance to go to university during the war and took a degree in history, graduating with a 2.1 honors degree in August.
Comedy writer Jenny Roche will teach him and nine other students. She said: "My students are generally either actors who see it as useful for their career, people who want to do it just for fun, and others – like Manchester University students – who use it to shape up their presentation skills."