In the wake of his smash-hit book “Normal Schmormal” and his latest BBC Radio 4 triumph “Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children,” the comedic luminary Ashley Blaker is hitting the road with his uproarious “Normal Schmormal” stand-up tour across the UK this Spring.
Blaker’s mission is crystal clear: to revolutionize the dialogue surrounding parenting children with special needs. With six kids under his wing, three of whom carry a Special Education Needs (SEN) label, Blaker’s household is a vibrant tapestry of autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, speech impediments, heart anomalies, hearing impairments, mobility hurdles, sensory quirks, and gastroenterological trials. As Blaker quips, “You know life’s a whirlwind when Great Ormond Street Hospital reserves a parking spot just for you.” It’s a far cry from the conventional, but for Blaker, it’s the only way to roll.
His narrative strikes a chord, particularly resonating with parents, caretakers, and educators of children with SEN. Yet, Blaker’s heartwarming odyssey, much like his literary and airwave escapades, speaks volumes to any parent who champions love and acceptance as the cornerstone of familial bliss.
In his own words, Blaker shares, “Parenting’s no cakewalk, and navigating the world with special needs kids? Well, that’s a whole different ball game. That’s why I’m thrilled to share our journey, offering up some well-deserved comic relief along the way. Thankfully, with our brood, the material practically writes itself.”
Beyond his stand-up prowess, Blaker wears many hats: comedian, wordsmith, and devoted father. From Off-Broadway triumphs to global tours spanning five continents, his comedic conquests know no bounds. His repertoire boasts several BBC Radio 4 hits, including the chart-topping “Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children.”
In 2023, HarperCollins unleashed his debut tome, “Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs.” Equal parts comic memoir and sage advice, it offers a poignant glimpse into the joys and trials of nurturing a clan that defies societal norms. Serializing in the Sunday Times and soaring to the zenith of Amazon’s bestseller list, the book catalyzed collaborations with esteemed organizations like Mencap, Sense, and Adoption UK.
As a creative mastermind, Blaker’s résumé reads like a who’s who of British comedy. Notably, he shepherded the cultural phenomenon “Little Britain” into the nation’s zeitgeist, leaving an indelible mark on the comedic landscape.
Ashley Baker will be at Swindon, Arts Centre on Friday May 17th – Buy your tickets HERE
