THE LINE-UP for an exciting night of comedy taking place in Bradford next month has now been announced.
You Can Laugh, You Know! will see a host of local comics – who all have disabilities – take to the stage at the Rockwell Centre in Thorpe Edge on Friday, March 3.
Alex Mitchell, Joe Kirkwood, Lizzy Lenco, Jax Griffin, Ian Younghusband and Emerson Young will all perform at the event, which is ‘pay as you feel’.
It has been organised by Leeds comedian Sam Judd, who is a wheelchair user, in a bid to celebrate difference and inclusion.
The 25-year-old wants to give a platform to performers who may face additional barriers when trying to get into the mainstream.
“What even is a disability? People have their definitions but really, it’s how you feel,” said Sam.
“We’re all different, and that’s amazing.
“Is a disability anything other than a difference? This event will celebrate difference, without putting everyone in a box.”
Sam is full of excitement ahead of the night, and sung the praises of the comics who have signed up to perform.
“Alex Mitchell is one of the most exciting young comics around,” he said.
“Growing up gay, autistic and disabled brings a unique set of challenges, but a unique set of stories and takes on the world as well.
“His comedy explores finding your place in the world when your shape doesn't quite fit.”
Joe Kirkwood is preparing for his debut solo show at Brighton Fringe Festival in May.
“He jumps between crazy flights of surreal fantasy, and more grounded, personal stories,” Sam said.
Harry Ward is a recently self-discovered funnyman, Sam continued.
Harry has autism and a visual impairment and Sam said: "There isn’t much he hasn’t joked about,” Sam said.
“He has often used comedy as a coping mechanism.”
On Lizzy Lenco, another performer, Sam commented: “She brings her mosh pit energy to the stage with her surreal tales of near death, heavy metal and cake.
“She is a versatile performer with a very dark sense of humour.”
Jax Griffin recently discovered they have ADHD, and is interested in finding humour in the dark places of their past, it was added, while wheelchair user Ian Younghusband wants to make the audience laugh, but also raise awareness of important issues.
Emerson Young, a Chortle Student Comedy Award 2022 semi-finalist and two-time Beat The Frog gong show winner, is another highlight, Sam added.
The event begins at 7.30pm.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/you-can-laugh-you-know-tickets-477243647597
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