brownbox
I wish you all the best of luck. As far as raising an eyebrow by offering to pay for line training - I think it would barely raise anything and it might even be expected that you do this anyhow (considering your grand old age).
The other problem is even getting to the interview stage without some serious investment in order to try and raise the eyebrow in the first place.
That said, I followed my dream and I was over the hill (well, over 30) too. I don't regret it at all, although I wish I had a bit more spare cash!