Rising star and wheelchair enthusiast Aaron Simmonds is making his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his new show Disabled Coconut. The Jewish Comedian of the Year 2017 and 2017 BBC New Comedy Award finalist promises to tell audiences about how his first paid gig led to him performing on BBC2 a year later, and the events that led to him being trolled online for not being disabled enough.
Aaron is far better at stand-up than he is at standing up and his unique perspective on life - usually of people's belly buttons – gives him a distinctive edge in his performances (as well as a sore neck).
His credits include BBC At The Edinburgh Festivals (BBC Two) and the BBC New Comedy Award (BBC Radio 4). He’s also been seen and heard on BBC Three, BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC Radio 5 Live and he recently filmed a BBC Quickie with Brennan Reece and Rosie Jones.
He’s also performed at the Leicester Comedy Festival and Nottingham Comedy Festival as well as at comedy clubs around the UK including Funhouse Comedy, Angel Comedy and The Comedy Store (Manchester). Before starting his career in Comedy Aaron was a professionally-trained personal trainer, and a former international basketball player and world champion powerlifter.
Aaron Simmonds: Disabled Coconut is at Underbelly from July 31 - August 26 at 13.30. Tickets and details here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
Have a snack. I am just not funny if I'm hungry.
2. What irritates you?
Windscreen wipers that are wiping the windscreen at a speed too quick for an appropriate amount of rain to be in the windscreen before wiping again.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Assumed that I would be able to go down an escalator in my wheelchair. I can, but if I couldn't I would have died because I couldn't be bothered to wait for the lift.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Went down another escalator whilst having a pizza on my lap. If I had slipped not only would I have died, but I wouldn't have had the pizza. Always risk your life after a good meal.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How many stairs there are in comedy clubs
Interview continues here.
