Ray Bradshaw: Finding Humor and Accessibility in a Deaf World
Comedian Ray Bradshaw is bringing a unique perspective to the stage, drawing on his experiences growing up as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). His work not only entertains but also sheds light on the challenges and joys of navigating two worlds – hearing and Deaf – and advocates for greater accessibility in the arts and beyond.
A Childhood Shaped by Communication
Bradshaw’s parents, David and Jill, are both Deaf. His father, a parks maintenance man, was born Deaf and uses British Sign Language (BSL). His mother, a social worker, lost her hearing at 14 months old due to measles and relies on lipreading and speaking. This upbringing instilled in Bradshaw a unique set of responsibilities and a keen awareness of communication dynamics from a young age.
“Growing up with deaf parents puts you in situations that, looking back as an adult and a father, seem nuts,” Bradshaw reflects. He recounts childhood experiences, such as regularly making phone calls for his parents, even handling complex financial matters like mortgage rates at the age of eight.
From Early Responsibilities to Stand-Up Success
These early responsibilities fostered confidence and a unique perspective, qualities that ultimately led him to stand-up comedy. Bradshaw recalls a dose of arrogance at 19 being the perfect combination for his first open mic night. Since 2017, he has been performing shows in both BSL and English, either simultaneously or with a BSL interpreter.
His commitment to accessibility extends beyond performance style. In 2018, Bradshaw was proud to have brought over 800 Deaf individuals to their first comedy show, though he wryly notes the impact on his profits due to concession pricing.
CODA: A Tour Exploring Family and Identity
Bradshaw’s current tour, “CODA,” delves deeper into his experiences growing up with Deaf parents and how it has shaped his identity. The tour runs from February 21 to April 30, 2026, across the UK. He shares anecdotes about navigating a hearing world with Deaf parents, such as a childhood encounter with Santa Claus and the realization that his family communicated differently than others.
Advocating for Deaf Awareness
Beyond the humor, Bradshaw’s work highlights the systemic challenges faced by the Deaf community. He points to the lack of Deaf awareness in sectors like healthcare, where family members are often relied upon to interpret, even in critical situations like cancer diagnoses or discussions of terminal illness. He emphasizes the need for improved access to professional interpreters and greater understanding of Deaf culture.
“I want you to know that growing up with a parent with a disability is not the doom and gloom everyone might think,” Bradshaw states. He believes his upbringing has not only enriched his life but also provided the foundation for his comedic voice.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for Ray Bradshaw’s “CODA” tour are available at www.raybradshaw.com.