Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Jiksaw

3 stars

Josephine Lacey guides us through the curve-ball surprises of raising a teenage son with autism. Fuelled by her love, passion, and fearlessness, Lacey is a compelling comedian who approaches her material with confidence and zero apologies. From the moment she enters the stage you root for her and she responds with an engaging attitude, always connecting with the audience and bringing them, at some points quite literally, into the story. And Lacey’s thematic focus of the night was very funny and edgier than expected.

Her stories about struggles and triumphs were informative and specific. Throughout the entire piece she brought a unique and targeted point of view, presented with care and intelligence, though several of the extended stories and repetitions lost some of the hour’s momentum and could be trimmed down. However, her anecdotal interruptions brought an energetic boost that reconnected the audience with their engaging performer. Several particularly funny moments included artistic input on the design of educationally constructed blow-up balloons – presented with a hands-on demonstration – and musings on the death of a not so loved one told with sharp-witted silliness.

Lacey is enjoyable to watch, has a clear voice, and a strong sense of the stories she wants to tell.

Josephine Lacey: Autism Mama
Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three
18:00
Jul 31 Aug 1-11, 13-21, 23-25