“Being at the Edfringe means that I get to live and breathe comedy all day long.”
WHO: Josephine Lacey
WHAT: “Most mothers expect to help guide their child through puberty. But when your son is autistic, it’s a whole different story. Welcome to Josephine’s world. Expect visual aids, balloons, and a heartwarming insight into the relationship between mother and son, both determined to figure it out together. From Chortle’s One To Watch (2023) and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee (2023). ‘A comedy bombshell, just light the blue touch-paper and watch the mirth erupt’ (BBC).”
WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 33)
WHEN: 18:00 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I have visited the city of Edinburgh several times since 2010. It’s such a beautiful city. Sometimes, I just walk along the streets admiring the architecture. I love being around the different art forms during the Edfringe. What I love most, is the buzz and the vibe of the people enjoying the festival and the wonderful city.
As a performer, being at the Edfringe means that I get to live and breathe comedy all day long whilst I’m there. I’m just a stand-up comedian! I can step out of sharing my day with all my other daily responsibilities. I find it cathartic. It also allows me to see acts that I do not get to work with often or at all because geographically, we are based all over the world. At the Edfringe, we are all in one place.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve learnt more than ever in the last year, that I should never give up on myself. I mean, I have never done so, but the last year has taught me, it’s never too late to keep working towards what I believe can happen and what I can achieve. I have aspirations today that I did not have a year and a half ago.
Tell us about your show.
Autism Mama is a show I wrote after I supported my autistic son through his pubescent changes and development. I’m delighted to be working in collaboration with Soho Theatre on the production of the show. We started our working relationship, after their assistant comedy producer, Dimple Pau saw a performance of the show in its earliest form as a work in progress. Autism Mama then premiered at Soho Theatre.
I have grand plans for the show. Not only is it funny, but also insightful, and a loving tale. Feedback from parents and carers of autistic children, teachers and governors from SEN schools who have seen the show, have encouraged me to bring the show to bigger venues and platforms other than comedy clubs. For me, the most heartfelt feedback has come from people who do not have a relationship with autism. They feel as though they have left my show with an understanding that they did not have before as well as being able to laugh. I look forward to seeing my show in book form.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
What should my audience see after my show?
WOW! There is so much to see. Here’s a few shows you will see me at!
1.295 Reframing Autistic Success (Kitten Steps): I am definitely one to champion neurodiversity in the arts. Stags 2023 was a sell out and I for one can not wait to see this!
Daddy Autism: Joe Wells is a great comic and is autistic and wants to be a daddy. Go find out how he intends on doing that.
Baby Belle: Young, Dumb and Full of Autism: Whimsical and musical! An exploration of social versus personal identity from the perspective of an autistic person. There’s also a song about cats!
Larry Dean: Dodger: He’s my son from another mother. He’s a great son from another mother. He’s a hilarious son from another mother. He’s charming, superbly funny and daft! I love him and I’m proud of him.
Stories from the Office of a Sex Dungeon: By the fantastic and underestimated Katharyn Henson. To fund her start up in stand-up comedy in New York City, Katharyn worked as a manager in a BDSM dungeon. Can you just imagine the tales? Don’t imagine the tales, just go see the show and hear the tales for yourself. Bring a gimp ball if you want to.
Little Pickle: Pol-ish: A Pol-ish drag clown who has lots to say about lots of things. A clown not to fear. Absurd and brutally honest. See you there!
Erika Ehler: I Got Some Dope Ass Memories With People That I’ll Never F*ck With Again: If you love Frankie Boyle, you’re going to love Erika. If you don’t love Frankie Boyle, you’re still going to love Erika. Nuff said. Except, I wouldn’t f*ck with her!
Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip: Why should you go see this show? Because he’s my flatmate at the Edfringe….and he’s doing that one (1) backflip! Go see the backflip. You don’t want to miss that one backflip. He’s also funny!
Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? You know who she is, but just in case you didn’t realise she was at the Edfringe this year, now you know. Get your ticket because she will sell out because she’s hilarious! Pleasance Grand.
Elliot Steel: Soft Boi Core: Elliot had a smash hit show last year. I’m guessing he’ll have another one this year. Known for his biting wit and trademark dark sense of humour, I find Elliot a breath of fresh air.
Michelle Shaughnessy: Too Late, Baby: A show for anyone who thinks it’s too late to achieve their dream, because it probably is.
Ben Target: LORENZO: Ben returns with his award winning show. If you missed it the first time round, then go see him this year at the Pleasance Dome.
Catherine Bohart: Again, with feelings. She’s hilarious. Just go see her!
Phil Ellis: Come On and Take The Rest of Me: Phil had the best of runs at last year’s Edfringe festival. Best show nominee and winner of the Malcolm Hardee Award for comic originality. Phil is back with an hour of pure and unapologetic stand-up comedy
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