Interview with Simon Herdman
Magic Hands presenter Simon Herdman is from Gateshead.
It is definitely interesting to see where Magic Hands goes to from here, and I really hope that Magic Hands will be the key for development of further BSL-led programmes on television and online."
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm known by my sign name of ‘SHHH’ for being too loud! I was brought up by my deaf parents in Newcastle and attended Northern Counties School for the deaf, where my favourite subjects were English, Maths and Media. I continued to remain in education until I graduated from University with a degree in Media, but in my spare time, I enjoy attending deaf clubs, participating in triathlons, planning deaf comedy events and using my camcorder. I have also travelled the world for over a year and have lived in various countries, learning about their deaf culture and community.
How did you become involved in Magic Hands?
Sebastian, one of the people behind the research of Magic Hands, encouraged me to apply for an audition slot, just days before the deadline. I revised, rehearsed and developed the Macbeth poem with a few friends of mine, creating a way to translate the poem into BSL and worked on the rhythm, timing, direction and orientation. Despite being really nervous at the audition, I was able to deliver my version with ease, and the interviewers asked me to translate another poem on the spot, which went well. The whole process of the audition itself was relatively short and I primed myself for rejection for about a week, but I was so stunned to discover that I had landed a place as a presenter for Magic Hands!
What have you enjoyed most about working on the show?
One of the privileges that I had working on Magic Hands was the fact that it was the first time that I had a job in front of the camera, instead of my usual spot with the crew behind the camera! The experience that I had was so immeasurable, and I relished working on every aspect of Magic Hands, from the induction meetings to the photo shoot after delivering the poem! One of the best things about working on the programme is that everything was BSL led, which was so paramount and there were so many deaf people in the crew, which could be the start of great things to come!
What do you think about a programme being shown on CBeebies that is entirely in BSL?
Having a programme that is entirely broadcast in BSL is an unbelievable moment when I think about it. A lot of deaf people have had several injustices in their lives, from childhood to old age, and I see this opportunity as a positive thing for the deaf community. I really hope that the programme will be so successful, so awareness is higher, which I hope will improve the access that the deaf community has to education and employment.
What do you think children will get out of the programme: those who are deaf and those who are hearing?
I believe that children, both deaf and hearing, will absorb a lot from the programme, and the rewarding potential that the programme comes with. A lot of deaf children and young people had problems learning and utilising English as a second language, so that is where the programme comes in for the deaf, as they will be able to learn poetry in BSL at an early stage of their childhood, and I strongly believe that this will shape the future of the younger deaf generation for the better. For the hearing children, I really hope that they will see BSL in a different light, and recognise that it is a beautiful language in its own right, thus seeing the deaf community in a better light. It is definitely interesting to see where Magic Hands goes to from here, and I really hope that Magic Hands will be the key for development of further BSL-led programmes on television and online.
What are you doing next?
I am now working as the Deaffest coordinator and am responsible for making the UK's biggest deaf film and arts festival happen in May 2013 at Wolverhampton! So far it is a mammoth project on my shoulders, but I am excited to see everything become reality! I shall continue to create further comedy events and shows for the deaf community. I will also be a judge in the northern Hot Fingers event in March, where I will be helping find the person who can spell the British alphabet in BSL quickest and, hopefully, break the Guinness World Record.
