Chris McCausland, a 47-year-old comedian, candidly reflected on his childhood in Liverpool and the impact of concealing his emotions. He shared insights from his autobiography, *Keep Laughing*, which chronicles his experiences following the onset of his blindness.
Early Life and Vision Loss
McCausland was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition, that led to his blindness in his 20s. His story begins with his birth, a time when he enjoyed perfect eyesight. This narrative decision allowed him to address his visual impairment early in the book, setting the stage for his subsequent life experiences.
Transition to Comedy
In his mid-20s, McCausland turned to stand-up comedy. He began writing as a way to cope with boredom during his recovery from a bout of shingles. However, he was determined not to focus solely on his blindness in his performances.
Performance Philosophy
McCausland emphasized the importance of crafting jokes that go beyond just his visual impairment. “I didn’t talk about it onstage for ages,” he recalled. His strategy was to create an atmosphere where audiences would forget his disability, only to be surprised later by its inclusion in his material.
Key Themes in *Keep Laughing*
- Childhood experiences in Liverpool
- The journey of coping with vision loss
- Transitioning into stand-up comedy
- The importance of nuanced storytelling over straightforward humor
Through his autobiography, McCausland aims to resonate with readers by sharing a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his life and the emotions he navigated while growing up blind. His story is not just about laughter but also about resilience and self-acceptance.
