A former Army sergeant who credits his military service with giving him the confidence to pursue comedy is set to host a special evening showcasing Scottish comic talent in Stirling. Mark Wallace, aged 61, will take on the role of MC for the fundraising event at Slanj-A-Va, with all proceeds dedicated to SSAFA, the long-standing Armed Forces charity.
From Battlefield to Stage: A Veteran's Journey
Mark, a father of two from Causewayhead, initially trained as an actor before family pressure led him to seek what they termed "a proper job." He subsequently joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), where he served for nine years, rising to the rank of sergeant and seeing action in the first Gulf War. Upon leaving the Army, he settled in Stirling and now balances multiple roles, including work as a pharmacy auditor and a part-time tour guide for Scotland coach trips.
Reflecting on his time in the Forces, Mark emphasised how it shaped his approach to performance. "We used to do plays and skits in the Army, but what my military experience really gave me was confidence," he explained. "In the Forces you make a decision and you have to stick to it. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and what I can do, and to do it." This self-assurance propelled him to enrol in a comedy course in 2025, leading to a sold-out debut gig at Glasgow's Drygate venue last December.
A Night of Laughs for a Worthy Cause
The upcoming event, scheduled for Friday, February 19, from 7pm to 10pm, will feature 11 up-and-coming comedians from across Scotland, offering a diverse mix of comedy styles. Ticket sales and donations from the evening will directly benefit serving personnel, veterans, and their families in the Forth Valley region, providing crucial support through SSAFA's services.
Mark expressed his enthusiasm for the show, stating, "The performers are all very talented and present a really good mix of comedy styles. It will be a great night; I would encourage everyone to come along, have a laugh, support home-grown comedy talent, and raise funds to support the local Armed Forces community."
Community Support and Charitable Impact
Ian McAlister, Chair of SSAFA Forth Valley Branch, praised Mark and his fellow comics for their generosity. "We can't thank Mark and his comic colleagues enough for donating their time and talent to help serving and former members of the Armed Forces," he said. "SSAFA exists to make sure serving personnel, veterans, and their families never battle alone, and it's thanks to supporters like Mark that we can continue to do so."
Tickets for the comedy gig are priced at £5 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the venue, or on the door on the night. The event will be held at Slanj-A-Va, located at 9 Upper Craigs, Stirling, with age guidance set at 18+. For those unable to attend, donations to SSAFA can also be made online, and the charity welcomes volunteers and fundraisers to aid its mission, which has supported the Armed Forces community since 1885.
