TAKING on a new fitness challenge at the age of 40 provided a Gourock comic with the inspiration she needed to create a dazzling new show for this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Jay Lafferty is bringing her Bahookie to the city's Gilded Balloon in August.

When she turned 40 at the start of this year, Jay decided to push herself out of her comfort zone and take on a quirky new activity - and all will be revealed in the show.

It's the biggest production the Inverclyde comic has ever created and she said she's thrilled to be bringing it to the Fringe.

Jay added: "It's a joyful show about taking on a new challenge and being absolutely dreadful at it but still embracing it and having fun.

"I've done a lot of shows where I'm just standing there talking so I wanted to do something totally different to push myself and raise my game.

"There are some real showstopper moments and some theatrical moments.

"I'm so excited about it.

"It's the first time I've challenged myself to do something completely outwith my comfort zone on stage."

Greenock Telegraph:

Jay said a lot of Bahookie deals with getting older as a woman as a follow-on to her last full Fringe show back in 2019, Jammy.

She added: "Turning 40 definitely does something to you and it makes you take stock of your life.

"A lot of my stand-up has been about my IVF journey and raising awareness of fertility.

"I was incredibly lucky and had my wee boy just before lockdown hit so I feel like it's time to put a full stop on that part of my story."

The former Gourock High School pupil has been performing 'work in progress' shows all over the UK in preparation for her festival appearance.

She recently sold out the Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow which she said was a dream come true.

Jay added: "I started at the Stand 20 years ago so it was incredible to sell it out and play in front of 200 people.

"Glasgow audiences are always great and there were a lot of folk down from Greenock on the night too.

"It's the first time I've done so many work in progress shows but I want to make sure I get the show exactly as I want it.

"By the time August comes around it will be 100 per cent."

Jay also recently took to the stage at the King's as part of the Glasgow Comedy Festival closing gala.

She said she hopes to folk from Inverclyde in the Edinburgh crowd in August when Bahookie takes it final form.

Jay added: "The show is really accessible for everyone.

"At the Stand show, there were older guys and young women in the front row and everyone was on their feet at the end.

"I hope it will be a positive, joyful experience for people."

*Jay will perform Bahookie at the Gilded Balloon from 2-28 August 2023.

To book visit https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/