Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month "Embracing Identity Through Laughter" Rhys Thorne

SaraC_Scope

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Welsh comedian Rhys Thorne, whose fresh voice, quick wit and lived experience bring something truly special to the comedy scene. Our conversation explored the intersections of cerebral palsy, LGBTQ+ identity, creativity, and personal resilience. And how humour becomes a powerful tool for connection and self-acceptance.

Rhys emerged onto the comedy scene in 2021. He has performed at The Top-Secret Comedy Club and The Comedy Store. He was a finalist in the LGBTQ+ new comedian 2025 and shortlisted for BBC New Comedian 2025. Rhys lives in London with his partner but regularly visits his family in Cardiff.

Rhys shared his journey from growing up with cerebral palsy in an education system that lacked accessibility, to navigating stereotypes, misconceptions, and self-confidence as a young disabled gay man. Despite early barriers: limited school access, assumptions about his abilities, and challenges within both disabled and LGBTQ+ spaces, Rhys has shaped those experiences into material that’s authentic, insightful, and deeply human.

Comedy became his outlet after the pandemic: a space to reconnect, express himself, and a longed-for hobby, inspired by family traditions. Rhys and his dad regularly attend comedy gigs together.

What started as a six-week comedy course has grown into regular performances across Cardiff, London, and beyond. Rhys uses comedy not to define himself by disability, but to celebrate the unique perspective it gives him—and to help audiences understand cerebral palsy (CP) without pity or discomfort.

Rhys discussed disabled representation in comedy. Rosie Jones and Lost Voice Guy are two well-known disabled comedians on the comedy circuit. Just like Rhys, they face tough challenges along the way, such as accessibility issues at venues and audience reactions.

Our conversation also touched on mental health, family, identity, and the impact of growing up without the inclusive environments we see more of today. Rhys spoke openly about depression, resilience, and the importance of being seen for who you are, not for assumptions about disability or sexuality.

The message he’d give to others with similar lived experiences?“ Your disability is part of you, but it doesn’t define you. Embrace what makes you different. There is strength, humour, and community in the things that set us apart”.

We’re thrilled that Rhys is keen to connect further with the CP Network, and we look forward to welcoming him to future events with opportunities to collaborate. Representation matters—and voices like Rhys’s help shift the narrative, spark understanding, and show others that they, too, belong.

You can catch Rhys at the Edinburgh Fringe from 22-30 August 2026, in 2 Tongued Queers with fellow comedian Lina Hall at Carbon Room 1. Performance starts at 19:10.