Comedy club employs sign language interpreter

A comedy club is to introduce a sign-language interpreter to its gigs, to help deaf people enjoy the show.

Although signers are not unusual in solo theatre-style shows, Highlight in Leicester is thought to be the first regular stand-up club to employed one.

The venue is testing the water with a one-off show next month, but if it takes off could be adopted across the chain’s ten sites.

The acts for the October 7 show have yet to be confirmed, but it will adhere to the venue’s normal format of two comedians and a compère, all signed by 25-year-old Jessica Heller.

The accredited British Sign Language interpreter said: ‘This is different to anything I’ve done before – normally work would include accompanying people to doctors’ appointments, or providing office support, so signing a comedy gig is definitely a bit unusual. I think it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s definitely one I’m looking forward to.’

Comedians tend to play up to the signer in such situations, usually by teasing them about their interpretation of the especially rude sections of their routine.

Highlight sales manager Laura Williams came up with the idea. She said: ‘I’ve not seen anything like this being done before, and I thought that there must be loads of people in Leicester who’re missing out on seeing live comedy.

I wanted to give the deaf community a chance to see something that’s not usually on offer.’

Published: 21 Sep 2010