I’m Autistic: A New Musical, Genuinely Confused Theatre Review
Written by Eloise Thody (Instagram: @eloise.thody) for Theatre and Tonic
‘I’m Autistic: A New Musical’ does everything it says in the title, it is a new musical following three characters, Lauren, Nat and Chloe, who all have autism. The three central characters (Lauren played by Liberty Ashford, Nat played by Gabriel Phelan, and Chloe played by Olivia Jenkins) are all in various stages of their life with autism – and we follow them through their various struggles to maintain friendships, enter relationships, and go through the process of getting diagnosed.
This show packs a lot in the hour and fifteen minutes – we enter the three central characters’ lives in equal detail and meet a lot of characters in their lives – in fact, there is a cast of twelve! Visually, there is always something to watch: the twelve actors multi-rolling, adding to background detail, or performing a movement sequence. Every single actor is impressive in their own right, and everyone has a moment to showcase their vocals – which are stunning from each performer. However, for a fringe show, there were moments where having such a large cast, and exploring so many people, places, and things seemed ambitious. Clunky transitions, rushed cast members changing costumes repeatedly to portray different characters, and an overall sense of confusion about the location.
There is so much potential in this story, but it needs development. From the outset, with a wonderful group number, it gave the illusion that the three storylines were linked, or at least were in the same place. If the stories were linked it would add depth to the non-principal characters and allow the moments in the background of the musical numbers to be charged with subtext, helping drive the story.
Read More: Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#93): Genuinely Confused Theatre Company, I’M AUTISTIC - A NEW MUSICAL
The cast were excellent and work well as an ensemble – it is clear the stage is a place for acceptance and collaboration which seeps into the audience, creating a warm atmosphere. There were a few stand out performances, including Morgan Phillips’ ad-libbed comedy moments, Maisie Fogg’s excellent multi-rolling showcasing her as an adaptable and versatile actress, and Laura Rachel Hayes’ sensitive portrayal of Sophie.
The harmonies are tight! And I wished I left the theatre with the songs stuck in my head because the voices are so beautiful – but there are no earworm songs. The songs did a great job of storytelling, but they need development to become the catchy musical theatre staples that stick in our minds long after a show is over.
Take a chance on supporting this show – it has all the foundations of a project which is going to become really exciting. The idea is original, the performers are top-notch, and the staging is visually interesting. With some development, I am sure ‘I’m Autistic: A New Musical’ is going to do very exciting things.
Catch it now at Venue 45 @ The Space 15.30-16.45pm until 23rd August 2025.
★ ★ ★
