Mark Nicholas, a stand-up comedian, is taking a stand against the barriers faced by autistic performers in the comedy scene. In recognition of World Autism Acceptance Month, he is organizing a special event in east London featuring a lineup exclusively composed of autistic comedians.
This initiative is part of Laugh-Able, an organization established by Nicholas to create comedy nights that cater to disabled performers and enhance accessibility within the London comedy landscape. Nicholas was inspired to launch this project after encountering numerous disabled and neurodivergent comedians who struggled to gain entry into the industry.
„I felt a sense of injustice that there were so many talented comics that, through no fault of their own, could not take part in stand-up comedy and I was determined to address that,“ said Nicholas.
He emphasized that the event aims to showcase the remarkable talents of autistic individuals, stating, „What I want this event to demonstrate is that not only do autistic people cope incredibly well at a comedy night but they also demonstrate how incredibly talented they are as performers.“ Nicholas hopes the show will enhance audience understanding of autism, noting that each comic will share a „unique experience of what it means to be on the spectrum.“
Creating an Inclusive Environment
As an autistic individual himself, Nicholas recognizes the diverse challenges faced by performers on stage, which can vary significantly from one person to another. He explained, „Some of us struggle in busy environments but some of us thrive in them and need the noise. If you are hypersensitive to sound, lights, noise, being at a live comedy event can really affect your ability to focus.“
The goal of Laugh-Able is to alleviate many of the concerns that autistic performers may have by implementing adjustments that enhance accessibility. Nicholas recounted a previous event where an autistic performer required a table at the back of the venue, equipped with ear defenders. „Once they got on stage, they were absolutely brilliant,“ he remarked.
Welcoming Atmosphere for All
According to Nicholas, the event is designed to be inviting for both audiences and performers, featuring relaxed performance adjustments that allow the audience to move freely, which is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. The comedy nights operate on a pay-what-you-can basis, with the option for attendees to attend for free if necessary.
„People should not be priced out of anything,“ he stated, adding that disabled and neurodivergent individuals often face significant financial challenges.
For over six years, Laugh-Able has collaborated with the Ilford-based disability charity One Place East and has hosted events at Wanstead Library during that time. The upcoming event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at Wanstead Library in Redbridge, starting at 19:00 BST. This event is restricted to attendees aged 18 and over.
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