In a recent interview, comedian Ashley Blaker, who is appearing at Swindon Arts Centre next week, opened up about his family, affectionately known as “Blaker’s half-dozen”, the inspiration behind his comedic ventures, and his journey from producer to performer.
His six children, each with their unique personalities and challenges, have inspired his book and stand-up tour, Normal Schmormal.
Adam, 18, and Dylan, 15, have autism and ADHD, while Zoe, 14, has Down’s syndrome. Dylan’s quirks, such as his preference for white and beige food, and Adam’s journey to learn to speak, have provided Blaker with a wealth of comedic anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of family life.
Zoe, who is adopted, holds a special place in Blaker’s heart. “She’s the most impressive member of the Blaker household, probably due in no small part that she isn’t biologically mine,” he shared.
Blaker’s other three children, Ollie, 17, Edward, 13, and Bailey, 9, have not been diagnosed with autism, but Blaker suspects they may also be on the spectrum. Each child’s personality shines through in Blaker’s stories, from Ollie’s constant fury to Edward’s obsession with Star Wars and Bailey’s unusual third-person speech pattern.
When asked about the difference between neurodiverse children and ‘mainstream’ children, Blaker likened it to the difference between mainstream and avant-garde musicians. “I personally love the fact that I have kids with special needs – Zappas rather than Coldplays,” he said.
Blaker’s experience with countless meetings and hospital appointments has taught him the importance of biscuits as a sign of a good meeting. “If you go into the meeting room and instead of a plate of biscuits there’s a box of tissues, this isn’t going to go well,” he joked.
Despite the challenges, Blaker’s sense of humour has helped him navigate the ups and downs of parenting. “When I pitched the book, the working title was, If I Didn’t Laugh, I’d Cry,” he shared. “Looking for the humour in situations has definitely helped.”
Blaker’s Normal Schmormal Tour, which visits Swindon on May 17th, is a comedic narrative about his family’s story, offering a unique blend of laughter and heart. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of comedy and storytelling.
Tickets for the show are available online now.
