The comedian who can’t talk
The 2014 BBC New Comedy Award winner is to perform at this summer's Barnard Castle Comedy Festival.
The line-up for the 2015 Barnard Castle Comedy Festival is shaping up nicely, with BBC New Comedy Award winner Lost Voice Guy added to the programme today.
The comedian – whose real name is Lee Ridley – will bring his new stand-up show, Disability For Dunces, to The Witham arts centre on Saturday 18 July ahead of a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Ridley performs stand-up using an iPad and is the first comedian to use a communication aid on stage.
Lost Voice Guy’s show, which takes place at 1.30pm, marks his first ever appearance in Barnard Castle as he teams up with the likes of Tony Law and Alex Horne for the inaugural comedy festival in Teesdale.
Speaking ahead of the show, Ridley said: “My show at the Barnard Castle Comedy Festival is about all the stupid questions I get asked by the general public on an all too regular basis.
“Stuff like; can you really not talk? Have you considered an exorcism? Are you just in it for the parking? Have you ever tried talking just to see what happens? How do you have sex? Seriously, can you not talk at all?
“I’ve decided to answer them all once and for all. Think of it as being like a disabled FAQ for dummies (…or dunces – for legal reasons!).”
Described by Matt Lucas as ‘a wonderful comedian’, Lost Voice Guy is one of the most talked about acts in comedy.
His material is profoundly positive: if someone with no voice can become a successful stand-up, then anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.
Since making his comedy debut three years ago, Ridley has performed all over the UK at venues including The Stand, Jongleurs, The Frog and Bucket, The Glee Club and The Comedy Store.
His unique act has been featured in The Guardian, BBC, CNN, The Sun and The Mail on Sunday.
Festival Director Peter Dixon said: “In programming the festival day we have been striving to bring the very best comedy talent to Barnard Castle.
“Lost Voice Guy follows in the footsteps of Lucy Beaumont and Steve Bugeja, who have each produced fantastic shows for us, as the current holder of the BBC New Comedy Award.
“Recognised by critics, fellow comic and audiences alike, Lost Voice Guy is one of the most original, refreshing and funny comics to arrive on the comedy scene in recent years.”
The Barnard Castle Comedy Festival is organised by Teesdale comedy promoters Funny Way To Be.
It takes place on Saturday 18 July 2015 at The Witham arts centre on Horsemarket.
Shows will run from 12pm until late, with Lost Voice Guy’s show taking place at 1.30pm.
Earlybird day tickets for the festival are on sale now, priced £45.
For more details on the festival, visit barnardcastlecomedy.com.
