In Cerys Bradley’s Queer Tales for Autistic Folk, Bradley invites the audience to become the main character of a story where choices are made that impact the fate of the show itself. This particular performance was relaxed, with Bradley encouraging audiences to feel comfortable in the space, offering fidget toys for those who would like them. After this, there is a list that tells the audience members every step of the show, from the introduction to the bows. From this moment, audience members are introduced to the main theme of the show – a thinly veiled metaphor for getting an autism diagnosis at the age of 27 over Microsoft Teams.
Bradley has created a show with a creative concept that shows potential to be an interesting metaphor for being diagnosed with autism as an adult, but too much dependence on audience participation leads to the hour going a little off the rails. They are, however, impressively quick on their feet, using the materials they have as well as coming up with new concepts on the fly in order to go along with the audience’s suggestions and help build the world around them. With some more structure, this could become a truly great show.
Cerys Bradley’s Queer Tales for Autistic Folk, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 25 Aug (not 14), 2.45pm