From Comedy Targets to Comedy-Makers: Disability and Comedy in Live Performance

Abstract

The stand-up comedy landscape has been transformed in recent years with an increased number of disabled comedians performing. Via semi-structured interviews with disabled comedians, this article provides a thematic analysis of the material and ideological motives, intentions and lived experiences of disabled comedians. Two themes are discussed - comedy management and control; and affirming disability through comedy. These themes are characterised by complexity and contradictions. The article concludes that, although not a straightforward process, stand-up comedy enacted by disabled comedians is potentially a powerful tool through which hegemonic norms around disability can be challenged and renegotiated.