# The Hilarious Journey of Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy
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Chapter 1: The Rise of a Comedic Genius
In a world where laughter is a much-needed remedy, Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy, shines brightly. His unique brand of humor offers a refreshing escape from daily chaos.
"A healthy dose of laughter is essential in today’s unpredictable world."
Born on December 31, 1980, in Consett, County Durham, Lee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just six months old, which left him unable to speak and with a limp. His inability to communicate led to feelings of loneliness and isolation, making social interactions challenging. However, everything changed when he received a communication device at the age of eight, which significantly boosted his confidence.
Lee pursued an undergraduate and master's degree in journalism at the University of Central Lancashire from 1999 to 2002. Post-graduation, he worked as a journalist for the BBC in Newcastle and later as an online content manager in Sunderland.
Chapter 2: Comedy as a Lifeline
Despite his journalism career, Lee always had a passion for comedy. In 2012, a friend encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. Embracing the opportunity, he adopted the stage name Lost Voice Guy and began using an iPad voice synthesizer app called Speak It to deliver his comedic material.
"His self-deprecating humor about living with a disability and navigating life under the Tory government quickly gained traction in the Newcastle comedy scene." – The Guardian
Lee made his debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013 and won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2014. He believes that comedy allows people to view situations from a different perspective, making them both entertaining and enlightening.
Chapter 3: The Turning Point
In 2015, Lee transitioned to comedy full-time, presenting his second show at the Edinburgh Fringe titled Disability for Dunces, followed by a sequel in the subsequent year.
His 2017 production, Inspiration Porn, critiqued the often exploitative nature of disability-related media. Much of Ridley's humor revolves around his own experiences with disability and communication challenges.
"I have nearly four decades of material about my disability, so it would be foolish not to utilize it. Humor has always helped me cope and continues to do so."
Lee's breakthrough moment arrived when he won Britain's Got Talent in 2018, marking the first time a comedy act secured the grand prize of £250,000 along with a spot in that year's Royal Variety Performance.
Chapter 4: A New Voice
Following his victory, Lee received over 500 voice recordings from donors, offering their voices for his iPad. Ultimately, he selected voice-over artist Dan Pye, leading to the development of a custom Geordie accent by CereProc, a Scottish speech synthesis company.
This new voice debuted in March 2021 during his tour titled Cerebral LOL-sy, marking a significant milestone in his comedic journey.
Chapter 5: Laughter as a Bridge
Lee's self-deprecating humor serves to ease discomfort for those unaccustomed to interacting with individuals with disabilities. His clever T-shirt slogans—like "I was disabled before it was cool" and "I’m only in it for the parking"—highlight the absurdity of societal assumptions surrounding disability.
"It’s important to recognize that not all individuals with cerebral palsy have cognitive impairments; misconceptions abound."
Lee's comedy invites audiences to reconsider their perceptions and enjoy the humor in life's challenges.
In conclusion, I encourage you to check out Lee Ridley’s unforgettable performance on Live at the Apollo:
Thank you for joining me in exploring the inspiring journey of Lee Ridley, whose laughter transcends barriers and resonates with many.