Theatre News

Speechless comedian makes Edinburgh Fringe debut

A comedian who lost his speech due to Cerebral Palsy is bringing his debut solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe next month

Lee Ridley
Lee Ridley

Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy, is preparing to make his Edinburgh Fringe debut next month using a communication device to voice his jokes.

According to press material, the 32-year-old “uses his iPad to great comic effect to take us on a journey as he tries to make himself heard.”

Since making his first stand up performance in February 2012 [see video below], Ridley has already attracted celebrity fans including Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, and warmed up for fellow stand-ups including Ross Noble and Jason Cook.

“People tend to stare and laugh at me anyway, at least this way there’s a scheduled time and place for it,” said Ridley, who lost his speech as a baby due to Cerebral Palsy. “I’m providing a public service, which is more than the government is doing at the moment.”

He added: “I’ve always loved making people laugh so I’ve enjoyed my last 18 months as a comedian, it’s a dream come true really. One that I never thought would happen. Hopefully I can make lots of people laugh in Edinburgh too – or at least leave them as speechless as I am.”

His show, titled A Voice Of Choice, will be on at The Stand Comedy Club at 8.10pm from 2 August until 25 August (except Mondays).

Look out next week for the launch of our 2013 Edinburgh microsite, bringing you all the latest from the Festival frontline