Jamie MacDonald

Jamie’s journey began in his early teens when he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a progressive degenerative retinal disease that will eventually lead to total blindness. But, rather than succumbing to the hardships of his disability, Jamie embraces a different approach. He remarks, “While it’s easy to find the misery in disability, it’s much more interesting to find the fun in it.”

Jamie has performed for six years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and can be seen on stage at comedy clubs all around the UK, including The Glee, The Stand and The Comedy Store. Jamie has also successfully toured Scotland with his fringe show, Designated Driver.

He’s written and performed 8 critically acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, voiced adverts for the Scottish Government and David Beckham plus fronted the 2023 Swiss autumn tourism campaign ‘Switzerland for all the senses’. He’s a regular character in 3 series of the hit BBC Scotland sit com ‘The Scotts’.

While his blindness flavours his comedy, it doesn’t define it. Jamie has been invited to speak at the Oxford student Union, on the Moth podcast and has also delivered keynote speeches for Edinburgh University and various NHS trusts on Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Awareness and Living with Blindness. He is the perfect blend of humorous and informative, delivering powerful messages through his engaging and highly personable comedic style.

What sets Jamie apart from other comedians is his ability to seamlessly integrate thought-provoking insights on diversity and inclusion into his performances, particularly his keynote speeches. Drawing from his own experiences living with blindness, he provides a unique perspective that challenges conventional notions and fosters understanding. His shows are an enlightening and entertaining blend of laughter, storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to promoting a more inclusive society.