A Life In Laughs

From the Fringe to the slopes of Sun Valley, the veteran Scottish comedian reflects on a life spent making people laugh

- BRIAN MCIVER

FOR every gigging comedian, including even the most successful performers, hitting the road is a slog. But even though Fred MacAulay learned his craft clocking up the mileage hitting clubs, pubs and assorted spaces up and down the country, he's also learned how to make the road work for him.

In his 35 years excelling as one of Scotland's most popular comics, Fred has used his stand-up skills to see the world, enjoy exciting adventures in far-flung destinations and along the way earn some serious plaudits and share the stage with comedy heroes.

From being introduced at the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs festival by Seinfeld legend Jason Alexander to improv gigging with Police Academy star Bobcat Goldthwait and fitting in shows between runs on Aspen's powdered hills, Fred has amassed some incredible comedy experiences in his career.

While his adventures have ranged from taking his family of five to the Alps or Melbourne, and some have involved golfing days and nights lit by the welcoming glow of Kilkenny pubs, he has loved every air mile.

Fred, who recently enjoyed a return to one of his favourite events, the Glasgow Comedy Festival, with a show at Oran Mor, admits that he's tried to have as much fun as he can, and see as much as he can, while making other people laugh.

"A real highlight was playing Montreal by invite; that was a gold star moment for me, to get invited over there," Fred says. "I don't know how many Scots have done it, but the ones who have had enjoyed an international reputation. I just took three weeks out of the diary and took my wife Aileen and the kids - we had a phenomenal holiday and then did six days of working.

"You do the gigs, you get a chance, and if they want you they'll ask you to do a gala, and I did. The host was Jason Alexander - George from