We went to see Josephine Lacey in her stand-up show “Autism Mama,” at the Soho Theatre in London and had the most entertaining experience in a long time. She is a master of storytelling, bringing a unique perspective to the stage that blends humour with heartfelt stories from her life as a mother of a son with autism.
This is a show for adults, with abundant adult jokes that helps explain the daunting journey of a single parent that wants to help her teenage boy go through puberty. From teaching him about his changing body to dealing with sensory processing issues, Josephine’s stories are both hilarious and touching. Using plenty of visual aids and balloons, she even shares how she had to take matters into her own hands when it came to her son’s sexual education, a task that many parents find daunting.
The show is filled with insights into the relationship between her and her son and the many ways she tries to understand and help him feel comfortable in his autistic world. She tackles topics that many might find uncomfortable, but her candid and unfiltered approach makes them relatable and, perhaps surprisingly, funny.
Josephine is a feisty Londoner of Jamaican-Irish heritage with an extraordinary ability to find humour in the serious realities of raising a child with autism. She offers a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding, making her performance a must-see for anyone looking to gain insight into the world of autism parenting.
Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or a deeper understanding of what it means to be an autism mama, Josephine Lacey’s “Autism Mama” is a blend of comedy and real-life experiences that leaves audiences both entertained and enlightened.
Autism Mama is at Soho Theatre until 16 November. Tickets from £17. Visit this website for more information and to book your tickets.