Ray Bradshaw Signs His Way to Fringe Stardom

Comedian Ray Bradshaw is making waves at the Edinburgh Fringe with his unique show, "Deaf Comedy Fam." What sets Bradshaw apart is his ambitious decision to perform the entire stand-up routine while simultaneously signing it in British Sign Language (BSL). This groundbreaking approach aims to make comedy more accessible and offers a unique experience for audiences.

A Groundbreaking Performance

Bradshaw acknowledges the immense difficulty of his endeavor, with even professional sign language interpreters deeming it a challenging feat. He explains that the grammatical structure of BSL differs significantly from spoken English, requiring him to perform two distinct actions simultaneously. This complexity, he believes, might be why he is the first comedian to attempt such a comprehensive signing of his own show.

The Show's Journey

"Deaf Comedy Fam" promises to take audiences on a journey into Bradshaw's life, growing up with deaf parents. The show, held daily at the Gilded Balloon, offers a glimpse into sign language and addresses questions that many people are hesitant to ask. Bradshaw humorously notes that the "journey" is best experienced by "loud laughers and people who are willing to give standing ovations a little too easily."

Family Support and Accessibility

Bradshaw's parents are supportive of his career, especially with this show. It allows them to bring friends to the Fringe and enjoy a performance on any day, rather than being limited to the few BSL-interpreted shows available each festival. This initiative significantly enhances accessibility for the deaf community.

Comedy Mentors and Fringe Survival

When asked about his comedy mentors, Bradshaw credits a range of fellow comedians, including Gary Little, Mark Nelson, Scott Agnew, Chris Forbes, Dan Nightingale, and Michael Redmond, for their guidance. He also offers advice for surviving the Fringe, cautioning against becoming too immersed in the festival bubble and recommending affordable pub choices.

Fringe Rituals and Best Shows

Bradshaw maintains a unique Fringe regime by commuting daily from Glasgow. This allows him to maintain a semblance of normal life, watching television or spending time with friends, providing a balance to the intensity of the festival. He cites Damian Clark's 2015 show about a stolen phone as one of the best stand-up performances he's seen, alongside a memorable Partick Thistle football match.

Key Takeaways:

• Ray Bradshaw is performing his entire Edinburgh Fringe show in BSL.

• The show, "Deaf Comedy Fam," explores his experience growing up with deaf parents.

• This unique approach significantly enhances accessibility for the deaf community.

• Bradshaw acknowledges the considerable difficulty of performing and signing simultaneously.

• He commutes daily from Glasgow to maintain a work-life balance during the festival.

Sources

• Ray Bradshaw: Edinburgh Fringe Spotlight, TheSkinny.co.uk.