Stirling ex-soldier hosts comedy night for SSAFA 

09 February 2026

A veteran who says the Army gave him the confidence to chase his comedy dream is to host a night of Scottish comic talent in Stirling. 

Mark Wallace, 61, will MC the evening at Stirling’s Slanj-A-Va to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. 

The event, which takes place on Friday 19 February from 7 to 10pm, will feature 11 up-and-coming comics from across Scotland. Ticket sales and donations will raise money to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families in the Forth Valley area.

(You can donate to Mark’s JustGiving page here.)

Dad-of-two Mark, from Causewayhead, started his career as an actor before encouragement from relatives to “get a proper job” led to his joining the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). 

He spent nine years in service, reaching the rank of sergeant and serving in the first Gulf War, before settling in Stirling upon leaving the Army. 

Mark said: “We used to do plays and skits in the Army, but what my military experience really gave me was confidence. 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.” 

In 2025, in addition to his day job as a pharmacy auditor plus part-time work as a Scotland coach tour guide, Mark took a comedy course. 

His first gig, held at Glasgow’s Drygate in December, sold out. Now Mark and his comedy crew are hoping to replicate their success in Stirling. 

Mark said: “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.” 

Ian McAlister, Chair of SSAFA Forth Valley Branch, said: “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. 

“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.”