Britain's Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy puts on extra shows

LEE RIDLEY returns to the Fringe for the sixth time this year. In the past he's just been another stand-up out there battling for an audience along with all the other hopefuls.

Lost Voice Guy

This year, he sold out his entire run in two days. Such is the power of television; Ridley, better known now as Lost Voice Guy, won this year’s series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Originally from Consett, Ridley was diagnosed with a neurological form of cerebral palsy at six months old which affected his movement and ability to speak.

The first stand-up comedian to use a communication aid - he received his first communication device at the age of eight.

Although his ambition was to be a journalist (he achieved an undergraduate degree in journalism and a Masters in online journalism) it was the world of entertainment that finally won his heart.

He did his first stand-up performance in February 2012 and now gigs all over the country.

The 37-year-old brought his first ever solo show to the Fringe in 2013 and has performed here every year since.

He may not be able to talk but he quickly proved he has something to say and his comedy has left audiences around the country laughing out loud.

His response to his new found box-office power is simple: “I’ve really enjoyed my Edinburgh Fringe this year, it’s been so amazing to get so much love from the general public, and selling out my show is a dream come true.

“Obviously, winning BGT played a big part in that, and I’m glad it has helped me get my comedy out to a much bigger audience.

“I’m looking forward to my extra show and finishing the festival on a high.”

That looks like a distinct possibility. Not only has be sold out the entire run of his show in the Gilded Balloon’s Turret Room (queue for returns) he has now sold out two extra shows in the Gilded Balloon’s Museum and in the Debating Hall venues.

A new extra date at the Gilded Balloon Debating Hall has now been added at 10.30pm on Saturday 25 August.

So, if you’re a fan of BGT or the Radio 4 sitcom Ability, which he starred in and co-wrote with Katherine Jakeways, make sure you don’t miss the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award-winner in action.

Book now as tickets are sure to fly out the door.

Lee Ridley, Lost Voice Guy: Inspiration Porn, Gilded Balloon, Teviot, Saturday 25 August, 10.45pm, £12, 0131-226 0000