A motivational speaker from North Lincolnshire who was diagnosed as deaf from the age of two us performing in a new show at Plowright Theatre.
Shaun Fitzgerald, from Scunthorpe, has had a busy year including an appearance on Channel 4’s First Dates and touring with his show No Need To Shout. Shaun will appear in the new show, Directions, at the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe with other talented local actors on Wednesday, November 20.
“I’m proud to be part of Directions as an actor, and working alongside the talent actors from Scunthorpe and Grimsby,” said Shaun. The show is described as a “slick, fast-paced, entertaining and dramatic evening”.
Growing up in North Lincolnshire, Shaun said he faced his share of challenges but recalled that “football was my escape and passion”. He was the only deaf player in his local hearing team and was a talented footballer, coming close to going professional.
He said: “Despite the initial difficulties of communication, I found ways to adapt, using visual cues like hand signals and relying on the incredible support of my teammates. Football became more than a game; it was a place where I felt truly equal.
“One standout moment was during a crucial match where we were trailing by a goal. Late in the game, I scored the equaliser, and the sheer joy and camaraderie with my team reminded me why I loved the sport so much. Moments like that fuelled my determination to take football as far as I could.
“I worked hard, and for a while, I was very close to becoming a professional footballer. However, a devastating knee injury changed everything. It was heartbreaking to see my dream slip away, but looking back, it taught me resilience and the importance of adapting to life’s challenges.
“Even though my football career didn’t go as planned, the lessons I learned on the pitch—teamwork, determination, and never giving up—continue to shape who I am today.”
Looking back at 2024, Shaun said: “It’s been an incredibly busy year, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. One of the biggest highlights was my successful live No Need To Shout tour across the UK, which was a fantastic experience and allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people.
“I’ve also had the privilege of being an after-dinner speaker and motivational speaker at events for companies across the UK and internationally. It’s been fulfilling to share my story and inspire others.
“Another highlight has been working in educational settings, where I was honoured to deliver awards to students, celebrating their hard work and achievements. My first book, The Rebuilt Mind, is also available on Amazon. On top of that, I’ve been busy writing—my second book is well underway, and I’m excited about a new book project in the works.
“I’ve also been involved in a few exciting film projects and a theatre show, both of which have been rewarding creative challenges. It’s been a whirlwind year, but it’s all been so fulfilling.”
Shaun said he is working on a film project with Lee Waddingham in 2025. He can’t reveal more details at this time but said “it’s going to be something truly special”. He is starting a brand-new live tour as well as his work as a motivational speaker, after-dinner speaker, and actor, on top of writing a script for a film project and a real-life story theatre show.
As an advocate for mental health, Shaun said one of the biggest challenges the deaf community faces is a lack of counsellors who can use BSL. Shaun said “meaning and emotion could be lost” when interpreters are used and it’s harder for the deaf patient to establish a trusting relationship with their counsellor.
He added: “This is one of the reasons I wrote my book, to challenge these barriers, raise awareness, give people the confidence in sharing their story and struggles and to let people know of the methods available to them.”
For bookings and further information, please contact Shaun’s agent: e-mail: info@redshoeentertainment.co.uk telephone: 01522 275 175.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
