Lost Voice Guy makes Fringe debut

The comedian, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, debuts his first full-length show at the Edinburgh Fringe on Friday.

Lee Ridley, from Newcastle upon Tyne, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old.

Unable to speak, he became the first stand up comedian to use a communication aid when he made his debut in Sunderland in February 2012.

Later that year, Giggle Beats highlighted Ridley, who performs as Lost Voice Guy, as our New Act of the Month.

Since then, Ridley has supported Ross Noble, Jason Cook, creator of the hit BBC series Hebburn, and Tom Wrigglesworth.

Previews of his first full-length show, Voice of Choice, have been critically acclaimed, attracting a nomination for Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival, along with five star reviews.

Ridley has performed several times at The Stand’s venue in Newcastle, including transforming into ‘Lost Voice Girl’ to raise funds for Comic Relief.

Addressing themes such as disability and loneliness, Ridley said that he hopes to make people laugh, but also to “make people think a bit about things as well.”

In an article for Giggle Beats last year, Ridley defended comics Frankie Boyle and Ross Noble, who had been criticised for making jokes about people with disabilities.

He said: “I strongly believe that any subject can be funny if handled correctly. Just because it’s about your situation, it doesn’t mean it’s not funny.

“I’m not saying you have to laugh or even like it, just don’t expect everyone else to feel the same way.”

Lost Voice Guy previewed his show at The Stand in Edinburgh on Wednesday, before the official opening tomorrow.

Lost Voice Guy ‘Voice Of Choice’ is at The Stand Four of The Stand Comedy Club at 8.10pm, 2-25 August (not Mondays)