New TV series of old folk cracking gags

BBC Four is making a series in which the over-60s tell jokes straight to camera.

The four-part series follows the same simple format as the American online series Old Jews Telling Jokes – a compilation from which was broadcast on the digital channel last November.

The new episodes will feature different groupings: old vicars, old Scousers and two others yet to be announced.

It is not the only forthcoming TV series to bypass comedians to feature members of the public telling jokes they almost certainly didn’t write. John Bishop is fronting a ten-part series called Only Joking for Sky1 which similarly invites amateur contributions.

But of the BBC Four show, producers said: ‘It was decided that no joke teller could be younger than 60 years old. A lifetime of experience was needed to infuse these jokes.’

They told would-be participants: ‘You won't have to get up on stage and entertain a crowd; it will just be a few of us and a camera. The evening should be a relaxed social occasion and a lot of fun.’

To apply, call 020 8576 4317 by August 3.

Here is an old Jew telling a joke:

Published: 16 Jul 2012