Globe theatre critic Peter Grant meets Stan ‘the Man’ Boardman who is going it alone.

Stan Boardman has an open invitation to those who like a laugh.

"Come and see an old school comedian on stage,’’ he says looking tanned from a Spanish jaunt and very fit and healthy after another charity golf tournament.

By ‘old school’ the Wirral-based funny man means the art of ‘ traditional stand-up comedy.’

"It’s my job. I am here for the long haul – and I have no intention of ever retiring. I’m way past 65 already.

"I work for myself so I’d only be packing it in and retiring from my own company.

"Look at Tommy Cooper he worked to the very end - literally.

"And who better to show there is an audience for old school comedians than Sir Ken Dodd who is 90 in November and is as popular and in demand as ever.’’

‘An Audience With’ will see an unscripted Stan who will be 80 in December look back at being bombed out by the Germans during the war when his brother Tommy was tragically killed.

He has plenty of source material from his war time evacuation to Wrexham; National Service, low time struggles and happily his many highs.

Stan, who has branched out into playwriting for stage and screenwriting for television, has never stopped working since he gave up his day job as a haulage worker in the late 60s.

A naturally funny man, his children Andrea and Paul knew their quick-witted Liverpudlian dad had the X Factor.

Andrea is now an accomplished TV presenter and his manager while Paul is a well-respected film-maker and stand up, too.

The then two kids encouraged him to ‘give it a go’ at a Butlins’ talent contest and the rest is history. From holiday camp to working mens’ clubs to the Palladium – he worked hard for his household name success.

He was a hit on Hughie Green’s Opportunity Knocks and says the Britain’s Got Talent should have a special ‘Comedians Only’ edition.

He says he has never wanted to be pigeon-holed.

"I came up with the comedy drama ‘Wags’ about footballers’ girlfriends. I devised the theatrical piece ‘Medals’ to highlight respect for our brave old soldiers.

"I wrote and appeared in a courtroom comedy at St George’s Hall to give people a night out to enjoy themselves.

"It’s hard work writing and producing but I love the end result.’’

Stan has always enjoyed writing for television.

A huge football himself, he penned a documentary about a search for the 1966 World Cup shirts.

He was great pals with the late great Alan Ball.

Now he raises money for charity by playing golf with Kenny Dalglish for his wife Marina’s charity and he plays golf alongside other soccer legends including Ronnie Whelan.

He has recently played a tournament for ex Boyzone star Ronan Keating raising money for a Dublin hospital.

And he loves meeting up with fellow golf mates Russ Abbott and Gerry Marsden.

In a TV documentary, fans also saw his serious side when he talked about the May Blitz and the effect it had on his family.

He is also no stranger to TV reality shows and says as long as TV researchers approach him he will consider anything, that is, as long as he can enjoy it along the way.

For his ‘Audience With’ evenings in July and September, Stan says he will be pulling out the stops.

"It is basically ‘This Is My Life – presented by me.

"It will be entertaining from start to finish. I will be showing clips from my TV work including The Comedians and appearances on chat shows.

"I will be showing the famous Des O’Connor Fokker chat.’’ The clip became infamous because Stan was banned for his double-meaning word play quips.

"Amazing ,’’ he says with his trademark wide grin.

"I was talking about a German aeroplane and it made all the papers. Years later there’s a film called ‘Meet the Fokkers’ and no-one blinked an eye.’’

Apart from reminiscences and anecdotes about show biz pals Frank Carson, Oliver Reed and Ringo Starr there will, of course, be Boardman’s bread and butter routine – his stand up.

"I try and keep everything topical by reading the papers and TV news. I don’t do politics, though, just jokes and observations. I have a new single out called Lost in Liverpool but I won’t be singing.’’

Stan, who was made ‘Captain of the Variety Club Golf Society says he is proud to raise money for charity and his latest honour sees him follow in the footsteps of Brucie and Ronnie Corbett.

There will also be a section in his show where Stan invites the audience to ask him questions.

"I will probably put a box in the bar near the merchandise desk where people can scribble down a question and I will read some of them out.

"They can ask whatever they want. The aim is having a good old laugh.

"I have no regrets – apart from not getting signed up by LFC ... I still have my boots in my car boot.

"Like I said I’m an old school comedian who loves the sound of laughter. I’d love to see mums and dads who have seen me before bring along their songs and daughters.’’

An Audience With Stan Boardman: The Epstein Theatre, July 15 and September 29.

Tickets are available from the box office on 0844 888 4411.