The Voice

Matt is 25. He has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad.

Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He is funny and clever and "up for stuff" - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.

Now Matt's left home for the first time and moved in to share a flat with his best mate, Jess. But when Bob (Allan Mustafa) shows up as the new carer, the fun really starts. Bob is new to the job and, although willing, domestic duties are not really his forte. He's better at selling weed and dealing in knocked off iPads.

But he likes Matt and treats him like a real person. So, as far as Matt is concerned, Bob is here to stay.

Ability is the semi-autobiographical co-creation of Lee Ridley, otherwise known as Lost Voice Guy. Like his sitcom creation, Lee has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app. Lost Voice Guy is - probably - the first stand up comedian to use a communication aid.

Written by Lee Ridley and Katherine Jakeways

Matt ...... Lee Ridley
Bob ...... Allan Mustafa
Jess ...... Sammy Dobson
Inner Voice ...... Andrew Hayden-Smith
Neville/Paramedic ...... David Reed
Maureen ...... Debbie Arnold
Peter ...... James Lailey
Doctor ...... Katherine Jakeways

Producer: Jane Berthoud

A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.