EdFringe Talk: Tides (An Autism Story)

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“Make sure that the team you assemble are not only some of the most talented people on planet Earth, but are as passionate about the project as you are.”

WHO: Joe Dennis

WHAT: “Dylan Ward is autistic. He has his own way of thinking and his own way of doing things, but no one seems to understand him. How do you navigate a world which operates on a completely different wavelength to the one that you’re on? Following its critically acclaimed run at Camden Fringe last year, and based on real experiences of growing up autistic, Tides (An Autism Story) combines Monty Pythonesque humour with a touch of real-world drama to offer an insight into the wonderful, yet challenging world of autism… From one particularly silly individual.”

WHERE: Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 16:10 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes it is! However, it’s not the first time we’ve performed at a big Fringe festival. Last year we performed as part of Greater Manchester Fringe and in Camden Fringe, both of which were hugely acclaimed runs. This year we performed a SOLD OUT show at Wimbledons ‘FromtheFringe’ season and we’re hot off the heels of a great run at Newcastle Fringe as well.

Having done so well at all of these other Fringe festivals, it was high time we had a crack at Edinburgh. It’s such a beautiful city, vibrant in art and culture, and I can’t wait for people to see what we have in store!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Number 1). Be organised! Make sure you plan everything well in advanced. Number 2). Make sure that the team you assemble are not only some of the most talented people on planet Earth, but are as passionate about the project as you are. And Number 3). Probably the most important lesson of all: Enjoy every minute of it!

I’ve certainly absorbed the latter above all else.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a semi-autobiographical one-person show that tells the story of Dylan Ward’s attempts to fit in whilst living on the autism spectrum. It was written and performed by me, based on real experiences I’ve had, and how being autistic impacted my life. It is frequently funny, often sad, and has an important message… We’re all just human, so let’s be kind to one another. The show was directed by my good friend Will Sutherland whom I met at Drama School, with additional lighting and sound design by the talented Will Woodward.

The show actually premiered for Autism Acceptance Week at Londons Hope Theatre whereby we raised £100 for Autism Awareness. It then toured to Guildford, Manchester and Camden Fringe last year, and this year has performed at London, Wimbledon and Newcastle. This year’s Edinburgh Fringe will be the shows Edinburgh debut!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I think he’s on before me, but audiences absolutely have to see Matty Edgars ‘Daniel Moore’s Definitive Guide to Failure-Free Living’. Matty’s one of the most talented actors I know and the show is incredibly funny and thought provoking. After this, audiences should see ‘Mr Jones’ a heart wrenching tale based around the 1966 Aberfan disaster and how this affected the lives of the villagers. Written by and starring Liam Holmes alongside Mabli Gwynne and directed by Michael Neri, this is an incredibly powerful play that shook me to my core.

Also wanna give a some shout outs to CFACOLAB’s ‘That Show About The Hot Dog’ Jens Goosens ‘Sense: The Musical’, Jen DiGiacomo’s ‘Woman in the Arena’, Ruben Sparks’ ‘Chameleon’ and finally Holly Gow’s ‘How Can(t) I Help?’ So all in all, an amazing line-up this year!

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