The Disabled Persons Railcard goes viral

Too often people are afraid to see the funny side of disability. In a rail industry first, we've teamed up with disabled comedians to raise awareness of the Disabled Persons Railcard. 

Popular stand-up acts such as Simon Minty, Laurence Clark and Steve Best (all members of the comedy company Abnormally Funny People) feature in eight rail-related short films that can be viewed online. Filming took place over three days at Marylebone station and was hosted by Chiltern Railways.

“This is primarily about putting a smile on people’s faces. With a broad range of comedy styles and performers there’s something for everyone,” says John Horncastle, Disabled Persons Railcard manager. “Whilst we funded the films so the Railcard is on the closing credits the comedy stands on its own.”

So far, a film called “The fastest wheelchair in Britain” showing a spoof race between Simon Minty on a powered scooter and Laurence Clark a wheelchair user has proved to be the most popular. “It would have taken too long to find body doubles for Laurence and me, so we had to do our own stunts,” says Minty. “This was a pity because we had Jude Law lined up for me and Gerry Butler was going to cover for Laurence!”

Other films focus on the humour that sometimes results when disabled people use public transport. In “A very brief encounter” Liam O’Carroll who is blind shows how confusion can affect people’s perception of conversations around them.

Click on the picture below to see the films now!

As well as the on line adverts we are sponsoring the Abnormally Funny People stand up show at the Soho Theatre which runs from October until next March inclusive. All Disabled Persons Railcard holders can get 1/3 off their ticket price.

If you are a Railcard-holder see our Caption Competition to win free tickets to the next Abnormally People Show.

Abnormally Funny People also features in Rail Travel Made Easy, the leaflet that explains rail services for disabled people.