Fringe review: I’M AUTISTIC - A NEW MUSICAL, Venue 45 @ theSpace
Performing their debut show, Genuinely Confused Theatre Company brings I’m Autistic - A New Musical to the Edinburgh Fringe.
This new British musical, written by Leonora Brooks, follows three autistic young adults, Lauren, Nat and Chloe, who are all going through significant changes in their lives. With varying support needs, we see their independent journeys navigating love, loss, parents, friendship, and mental health. The musical is hoping to showcase to audiences, through accurate representation, some aspects that autistic young adults experience.
The show includes original music also written by Brooks, and is musically directed by Anto Buckley. Brooks is joined by Edward Turner, with the pair directing the piece. Leading the cast are Liberty Ashford as Lauren, Gabriel Phelan as Nat and Olivia Jenkins as Chloe (who is also credited as the movement director). The remaining cast includes Laura Rachael Hayes, Caroline Kane, Jakob Creighton, Leonora Brooks, Maisie Fogg, Morgan Phillips, Natalie Moore-Williams, and Christopher McFadden, who all play multiple roles throughout. A final member of the cast, unfortunately, had been unable to perform due to illness. However, it must be commended as this was to no detriment of the show, as ensemble company members absorb the track brilliantly.
This show is breathtakingly authentic and utterly captivating. The company has undeniable talent, which is showcased phenomenally through the material created by Brooks. The direction is clear, and although simplistic, with only four orange boxes making up the set, the audience is easily transported and engaged for the whole hour and fifteen minutes. The ensemble work is great, providing stunning harmonies, heartfelt characters and an unforgettable premise.
I’m Autistic - A New Musical will have you laughing along one minute and wiping away tears the next. This show sets out to bring the reality of living with autism and how the world perceives the condition centre stage - it achieves that and more. If there is one thing you see at the Fringe this year, make it this show!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb