Josephine Lacey: Autism Mama – Soho Theatre, London

While delighting and shocking the audience, Josephine Lacey’s comedy special overwhelmingly rings with maternal love.

Lacey has created a show different to any other. Being a mother always brings difficulties, but Lacey has a unique account of motherhood, with one of her sons living with autism and sensory processing disorder. This brings with it, as Lacey charmingly recounts, very unique challenges, specifically in her son’s adaptation to puberty. What ensues over 60 minutes is Lacey’s determined attitude and charming wit joining together to help her son.

Lacey’s cheeky comedy certainly keeps the audience on their toes, as some members are hesitant if it is okay even to laugh. Lacey gives the audience permission to step into her world of raising a child with ASD, and while it brings distinctive experiences that can often leave a parent heartbroken for their child, Lacey brings a cheeky attitude to some of the predicaments she has been in, such as her son loudly announcing, “Ooh I like your breasts”, to an unsuspecting customer in a supermarket. Lacey faces everything head-on and unapologetically says it like it is. She is refreshingly honest about her experiences, and her sharp humour keeps her audience engaged throughout.

Autism Mama talks in depth about tools used to help with ASD, which highlights the importance of having the right resources available. Lacey’s determination for her son is heartwarming, and this show is a tribute to her amazing motherhood journey. The experiences of the caregivers of people with ASD are often forgotten or ignored within theatre, and so it is refreshing to hear a first-hand account in this one-woman show. Lacey commands the stage, exuding confidence and engaging the audience throughout. This special is a great combination of heartfelt and hilarious

Runs until 16 November 2024