Voiceless man set for Fringe

A DISABLED man who speaks using a Stephen Hawking-style talking device is to appear at this year’s Fringe – as a stand-up comedian.

Lee Ridley, 33, lost his ability to speak when he was just six months old.

But now he has become a hot comedy prospect, performing on stage with an iPad.

Lee, who lives in Newcastle and works for Sunderland City Council, said: “I am getting dozens of invitations all the time – I’m getting more gig offers and I am really looking forward to the Edinburgh Fringe.”