Josephine Lacey's Autism Mama, is a one of a kind show that de-stigmatises autism and makes light out of tough situations. The show revolves around Lacey's personal experiences of being a mother to her autistic son, and how it affects both of them. Focusing on one particular unique experience, Lacey has created a show that is undeniably unforgettable and brilliantly bold and moving.
Lacey quickly establishes her comedic style with an unbarred, uncensored and unashamed start, by sharing an unfiltered reality of being a mother. Fiercely loyal and loving, Lacey's maternal love is clear even as she exposes her children for their misgivings. Whilst amusing and relatable for the audience, its her blunt and almost unbelievable punchline that really sets the show in motion. A self proclaimed "glorious story about wanking", sits at the heart of the show and quite unexpectedly will leave the audience staring at Lacey in awe.
Lacey knows how to command a room, playfully teasing and taunting the audience with bold statements with little context, and leaves them waiting on tenterhooks for more. Lacey pulls (metaphorically and literally) the audience into her storytelling, ensuring that everyone is within her realm and reassures them that it is truly a safe space.
Lacey's ability to find humour in the hard times brings a sense of hope and comfort to any parent who cares for a neurodivergent child, and the show becomes an inspiring show that calls for change. Lacey recounts having to teach her teenage son how to masturbate, and in doing show, strips back the shame attached to puberty that society has stigmatised. Through trial and error, through moments of panic and unconventional approaches, Lacey navigates the best and most supportive way to enrich her son, taking into account what most do not, and transforms this experience into a teaching and learning moment.
The show, and Lacey herself, reminds one of the British TV show Sex Education, eclipsing the core essence of the show with a heavy and healthy dosage of comedy. Lacey also admirably, never shies away from calling out the lack of awareness about the small yet significant struggles of people of colour.
Lacey's style as a comedian is interwoven with her passion for change, her call for awareness, her love for her children and her determination to do right by them. Lacey's show is more than just comedy (which she does exceedingly well), but a must watch show for this generation of parents and young adults alike.
Josephine Lacey's Autism Mama is currently playing at the Soho Theatre until 16th November. For tickets and more information, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Jiksaw
Comments