Comedy Preview: Disabled Cants at the Vat and Fiddle

Thanks for taking time to chat with LeftLion today, Benny. Lets dive straight in, if we may. So, what can audiences expect from the Disabled Cants evening at the Vat and Fiddle?

Benny: Audiences can expect a welcoming night filled with laughs from talented disabled comedians.

But can comedy be a vehicle for raising public awareness on disability issues? 

Benny: Comedy can raise public awareness by mixing humor with serious topics.

And what issues in particular?

Benny: When I do my jokes, initially, people don't really respect me because they see the disability, not the person. But once I'm on stage, sharing stories about being mistaken for drunk and getting kicked out of bars, their perspective shifts. After the show, they're eager to talk and show respect. That's the power of comedy; it lets you talk about anything on stage and earn the respect you deserve.

Why did you become a comedian?

My journey into comedy began after struggling to find a job, leading to a pivotal moment in 2019. Now, I aim to make people laugh and show that disability doesn't limit potential.

How did you first gig go?

In 2019, when I had my first gig, it made me realize, wow, I can do this—something I love, making people laugh, and actually employ myself. I couldn't have done this without my mentor, Tommy Wager. He always said, 'Benny, if you're coming into this gig to earn money, then this ain't for you. It's about helping others and helping yourself enjoy comedy.' Tommy helped me respect myself, and I, in turn, helped him respect himself and stop drinking. I still have depression, but now, after meeting so many good friends, I'm proud to say I haven't had any suicidal thoughts for six years.

    How has your comedy inspired you? 

     My main goal now is to give back to the disabled community, just like Tommy did for me. Growing up, my grandad always said, 'Benny, you might not be able to get your ideal job, but if you use your hands in gardening and sell what you make, you can achieve anything.' Both Tommy and Ingenious Fools have carried on that work, encouraging me to create art in the comedy world and the disabled community.  

     So, who inspired you on this journey? 

     I'd like to thank Susanna Clarke at Ingenious Fools for always believing in me, listening to my crazy ideas, and making them happen. I would also like to thank the NCF Comedy Festival for mentoring me. They are now a sponsor of Disabled Cants because they believe in what we are about.

      And what's next for you?

      After the Disabled Cants show, I already have plans in place to carry on comedy shows around England, including monthly gigs in Leicester and appearances at Brighton, Camden, Nottingham, Cambridge, and Morecambe Fringes. I'm also focusing on the Blue Badge Bunch CIC, collaborating with Ingenious Fools to educate and entertain, proving disability doesn't limit potential.

Disabled Cants performs at the Vat and Fiddle on Monday April 28th 2025.