Paralympic silver, sharp tongue: Ricky Balshaw takes on disability myths with dark humour and zero inspiration gloss
My conversation with British comedian Ricky Balshaw begins with me doing what many able-bodied people probably do around disability: wondering whether I’m using the right words. Ricky, who has cerebral palsy after the umbilical cord became wrapped around his neck during birth, went on to win a Paralympic silver medal for Great Britain in para-equestrian dressage. He is remarkably unfazed and…
Ricky Balshaw, a British comedian with cerebral palsy, discusses his views on disability, humour, and navigating the world of comedy as a person with a disability. Balshaw, who won a Paralympic silver medal for Great Britain in para-equestrian dressage, is unfazed and amused by discussions about terminology and proper usage. He dislikes the term "specially/differently-abled comedian" and prefers to just be himself on stage.
Balshaw often makes disability-related jokes and lists practical advantages, such as close parking and discounts, that come with being disabled. He traces his humour to growing up in a working-class family in Telford, where making jokes with each other was a way to cope with life. Balshaw's career in stand-up began after he retired from his Paralympic career and found it easier than a traditional nine-to-five job.
He doesn't buy into the fear of cancellation and believes comedians now have more ways to find their own audiences.
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