Commanding voice

Garry Robson, whose grandparents were travelling players in the Midlands and the North between the wars, began his artistic life as an itinerant musician. He quickly became a respected actor and director and set up his own company, Fittings Multimedia Arts. As a wheelchair-user tired of being overlooked, he cultivated a booming voice that landed him the role of the Commander in CBBC’s Crisis Control.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
Being “special”! No, not really, but like any oppressed group we get to have a different worldview. There’s value in being an outsider.

What makes you angry?
The pat-you-on-the-head mentality towards us. And Gaza: when small children are being murdered in their homes I feel frustrated and impotent.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment, and have you any good putdowns?
I love the Family Guy episode where Peter Griffen sees his wheelchair-using neighbour for the first time and says “Holy Crip. It’s a Crapple!” And I once yelled at an ostens­ibly able-bodied suit leaving a disabled bog: “What’s your problem? Dyslexia?” Now I’m racked with guilt that he had a hidden disability and I’ve belittled the plight of dyslexics!

If you were Prime Minister what one thing would you do to improve things for disabled people?
Outlaw normality.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
Time travel – just for fun.

What do you most like about your work?
I get to play all the time; it keeps my mind open.

And what do you not like about it?
Early starts for filming on bitterly cold mornings.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
Ian Dury. I love his music and I loved his attitude: feisty and no nonsense. Apart from the misogyny.

Do you have any special or hidden talent apart from acting?
I can read minds. Oh yes I can.

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have for a day?
A missing pinkie.

How would you sum yourself up in ten words or fewer?
Beautiful. Sexy. Talented. Humble. Well worth investing in.