Forgive Me tells a very special story. Combining pole performance, video projection, song and interactive gaming the show is an innovative, authentic and dynamic solo show that explores the relationship between autism, gaming, and late diagnoses of ADHD. It’s autobiographical (original concept, writer, performer) and is made in collaboration with Helen Tennison (director/dramaturg) and Matt Eaton (sound designer/composer).

The show premieres at Summerhall, Tech Cube Zero (13.20) Edinburgh Festival Fringe Aug 6 – 31. Prior to that it previewed  at Brighton Fringe May 15 – 17 2026.

Forgive Me has received second stage National Lottery Project Grant funding from Arts Council England further to completion of first stage Arts Council funded research and development, which culminated in a pilot performance at The Lowry in Salford in July 2023. Forgive Me is part of British Council supported Lowry x Edinburgh, a curated programme of world class theatre, dance, comedy and circus by England-based artists at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. The programme champions distinctive voices and positions England based artists on an international stage.

Forgive Me is informed by my own experience of my son’s autism diagnosis, his love of gaming and my own late ADHD diagnosis. For this second phase I am collaborating again with Helen and Matt and also working alongside Xiaomin Fan as videographer, Lucy Wheeler as digital artist, Nick Bush as Lighting Designer and Julia Rahn as Stage Manager/Operator.

During the pilot project I worked with Helen and Matt alongside digital pioneers BRiGHTBLACK and video mapping specialist Giles Thacker to create a highly visual, inventive and compelling intergenerational narrative. The project explored themes of difference, fear, obsession and understanding. Featuring video projection, animation and interactive gaming, the play navigates a mother’s journey of understanding of her son’s diagnosis and the fundamental role that the virtual world plays in his life.

As mother and son navigate the world around them they discover that fighting monsters together is better than battling alone!

We asked the preview audiences for individual words that summed up the show:

Innovative, Funny, Outstanding, Provocative, Interactive, Empathetic, Relevant, Dynamic, Emotional, Moving, Insightful, Relatable, Evocative, Entertaining, Engaging, Touching, Highly skilled.

 

You can see example of my current and recent work, including Fringe First winning Everything I See I Swallow including a trailer of the show here.

My producing, aerial, educational and performance work can be seen on the Actors of Dionysus website.

Photo credits: Jem Kelly, Xiaomin Fan and Phil Tragan.