Merry Christmas, Everyone (But I’m Not Stopping Yet)

Merry Christmas, everyone.
This is my last blog post before Christmas — but it’s not the last one, because I’ll still be working in between Christmas and New Year. You know me… I can’t sit still.

Last night, me, Susanna and Joe went out for our Christmas drinks, and as usual, we ended up coming up with some fantastic ideas for next year. Nothing is nailed down yet, but things are moving, plans are forming, and I’m really excited about what’s to come — so stay tuned.

Before I get into the year as a whole, I can’t forget to mention that this year we also designed a brand new show called Slugageddon. What started as an idea has turned into a really strong, fun, interactive show, and it’s developing nicely.

So, with Blue Badge Bunch, Disabled Cants, and Slugageddon, all three shows have now been rebooked for next year. The diary is looking pretty healthy across the board, which feels good going into Christmas.

Now… what a year I’ve had.

The Year in Review

Don’t get me wrong — it hasn’t been easy. I’ve lost a few good friends along the way, and that hurts. But I’ve also done nearly 200 gigs this year. Most of those were paid middles, with the odd open spot, and I’d say around 75% of them were through Blue Badge Bunch or Disabled Cants.

Both shows are finally getting recognised, and it’s clear now that we’re building something solid — shows that work, shows that matter.

This year has broken me at times. I’ve sacrificed friendships, energy, and comfort. But when I look at what we’ve achieved, I know it’s been worth it.

Together with Ingenious Fools, Blue Badge Bunch, and the Disabled Cants team — which now stands at around 200 disabled comedians — we’ve built something powerful. Something that gives people confidence, visibility, and a platform.

One of my goals this year was to update the Disabled Cants website with everyone’s photos. I haven’t managed to do that this month, but I promise I’ll get it done between Christmas and New Year, or if not, by July. It matters to me that everyone is seen.

What Have I Learned?

A lot.

Being an artist means you really have to graft. When I started this journey seven and a half years ago, I had no idea how hard it could be. But I’m learning the skills now — I’m better at promoting myself, stronger on stage, and my jokes are flowing better.

And one of the best things?
I’m back in the shed, creating artwork again.

When I came out of hospital nine years ago, they told me I needed a purpose. I needed a reason to wake up. Now I have one. I get up, I work hard, and I keep pushing forward.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me this year. There are honestly too many people to name, so I’ll just say this:

Thank you for believing in me — the same way I believe in you.

I’ve now shut my online shop for Christmas. I sent out the last bench of the year, which felt like a nice way to close that chapter.

And Let’s Not Forget the Awards

I also can’t forget to mention the awards this year — because they really do mean a lot.

Blue Badge Bunch won a Hans Award from The Last Leg on Channel 4, which honestly blew my mind. To be recognised by a show I’ve watched for years — a show that celebrates disability with humour, honesty, and warmth — was incredibly special.

On top of that, Disabled Cants won the Ish Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, which again shows that what we’re building is being noticed. These awards aren’t just shiny things on a shelf — they’re proof that disabled-led work matters and that people are listening.

So yes, we’ve been busy this year. And who knows what next year will bring?

The truth is, most comedians struggle day to day — financially and mentally — because you never really know what work is coming in or when the next pay cheque will land. That uncertainty can be tough.

But I’m slowly learning something important:
it’s not about getting rich.
It’s about helping others, building community, and helping myself become a better person along the way.

And if I can do that — then I’m doing something right.

But This Isn’t the End Yet…

This isn’t really the end of the year for me — because you know me, I can’t sit still.

I’ve still got around four TikTok Lives planned before Christmas and in between. I’ll be spending Christmas with my family like I do every year, but I can’t just sit there doing nothing. So I’m taking my LEGO with me and enjoying the community I’ve built on TikTok. That community means a lot to me.

I’ll be back in Nottingham on the 29th of December, after my last gig of the year in Watford. Between Christmas and New Year, I’ll be back in the shed creating new artwork, and I’m also going to push myself to message some friends and properly catch up. That’s something I want to do more of.

And just to finish where I started —
Blue Badge Bunch, Disabled Cants, and Slugageddon have all been rebooked for next year. The diary is looking strong, the work is there, and things are moving in the right direction.

You never know… I might even create another show.
But let’s not do that just yet 😄

Have a good Christmas, look after yourselves, and I’ll see you very soon — online or in the real world.

And remember —
if you ever need an opener, a middle, or a disability awareness game show, you know where I am.

You can contact me through this website. 💙🎄