The UK tour based around Ashley Blaker’s hugely successful book, “Normal Schmormal” is coming to Yorkshire, with dates in Hull and Leeds.
Table of Contents
The show
The comedian has had several shows on BBC Radio 4 including Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children. His latest work explores the challenges and rewards of raising a family which doesn’t fit into society’s definition of ‘normal’. He has six children, three of whom have special education needs. Between the children there is autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, speech and language disorders, heart defects, hearing loss, mobility issues, sensory needs and gastroenterological problems.
‘You know you’ve got a lot going on when Great Ormond Street Hospital give you your own parking space.
Ashley Blaker
‘Being a parent is tough and raising kids with special needs is even tougher. That’s why I am delighted to share our story with people and hopefully provide some much-needed light relief. Thankfully our kids provide so much comic material this has all taken much less time to write than you might imagine.’
Interview with Ashley Blaker
What sort of accommodation do you prefer to stay in when on the road with work?
There is nothing better than a Premier Inn. Even if you offered me a night in a 5 star hotel I would turn it down. If it’s good enough for Lenny Henry, then it’s good enough for me.
Will you get a chance to go sightseeing while in Yorkshire? Anything in particular you’d like to see?
There are several tattoo artists in Yorkshire that I want to get work from. So when I come to Leeds, I may have to make sure I get an appointment. If you see me hobbling in stage, this will be why.
Do you have a favourite place to eat in Yorkshire?
I need recommendations. Please can readers get in touch otherwise I will end up in McDonald’s!
Have you ever travelled to Yorkshire for sport – if so, tell us a bit about those visits?
I am a fanatical Liverpool supporter and been to watch them all over the country including many times in Yorkshire. I enjoyed them all, even when we lost, but didn’t appreciate getting a brick thrown at my head in Barnsley.
The tour in Yorkshire
- Wednesday 22 Hull, Social
- Sunday 26 Leeds, Carriageworks
The book
Ashley’s book, ‘Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs’ has high praise from critics;
‘Absolutely hilarious and yet so poignant. This book is going to both entertain and bring comfort to so many people, giving them hope for the future.’ Matt Lucas
‘Hilarious, fascinating, and moving. A very special book about a very special family. I laughed and learned so much.’ Elis James
‘There’s so much love and good energy in this book. It had me smiling from the very first words.’ Adam Hills
‘Normal Schmormal is a laugh-out-loud, touching memoir of advice, where embracing the weird becomes something wonderful. Every parent should have a copy.’ Emma Kennedy
‘This is a must read. Ashley Blaker has a special brand of comic magic. His gift is in making the toughest life-challenges seem relatable and even joyous.’ Rob Rinder
‘A very funny and honest account of Ashley’s extraordinary ordinary life. There is treasure here for all parents, non-parents and children of parents, and that is surely most people.’ Alex Horne
‘Funny and warm hearted, this book is a godsend for neurodivergent parents like me.’ Josie Long
‘Inspirational, moving and massively funny. A beautiful schmeautiful book.’ David Schneider
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