When Ian Younghusband was injured in a Motocross accident in his mid-twenties his life changed overnight. After months in hospital followed by a punishing rehab regime he was set loose back into the world but from hereon in he would see things from the perspective of a wheelchair user, navigating a world created for homo sapiens perambulating around on two legs rather than for the 1.3 billion disabled people on the planet.
‘IANtrospection’ is Younghusband’s solo stand-up (or rather sit-down) comedy show which lays bare life for someone who has lost their mobility but not their mojo. This fast-paced 60 minutes (which played at Alphabetti) takes you on a tour of Ian’s world (mainly pubs in Consett) and answers questions you always wanted to ask about disability, especially those questions appertaining to sex, drugs, rock and roll. Ian doesn’t hold back. He is a natural storyteller who paints graphic pictures using colourful language. We follow him down the street and onto the dance floor where scantily clad women inadvertently drape body parts over him as they take a breather. We are even invited into the bedroom where hoists on the NHS can do wonderful things to spice up your love life.
Along the way we are introduced to Ian’s mates and Ian’s dad who keeps reappearing with acerbic put-downs to keep the lad in check. Also, nosy neighbours and annoying dog walkers. Ian gives them all short shrift and invites us to view disability and disabled people as part of everyday life rather than as something to be medicalised or pitied or held up as an example of heroic fortitude.
Younghusband might have lost the use of his legs for the rest of his life but the fact that he’s ginger might be more of an impediment – in his view at least.
Julie Ward saw IANtrospection at Alphabetti Theatre.
A Newcastle Fringe review. There’s still a lot going on!
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