Steve Whiteley’s solo show, A Mind Full, opens at Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
“A Mind Full is the story of one man’s healing journey, from chasing dopamine and dreams to moving into a Buddhist community and trying (badly) to meditate.
Blending stand-up, storytelling, and theatrical moments, A Mind Full explores what happens when a wide boy with ADHD and impulse issues goes full mindfulness.
Along the way: spiritual bypassing, compulsive behaviour and the ongoing tension between craving peace and needing the spotlight.
A raw, funny and painfully relatable look at what happens when you try to heal… and your brain has other plans.”
Where: Just the Bottle Room at Just the Tonic
When: 31 Jul-11 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/steve-whiteley-a-mind-full
Steve tells us more below.
There are so many plays inspired by neurodiversity at the moment. Do you think attitudes have changed, and is it for the better?
Yes dramatically so (pun intended). I was diagnosed in 2011 long before it was in the mainstream public awareness.
Even once I was diagnosed, I didn’t feel comfortable sharing it with my employer.
Whereas now it feels like companies are more open and encouraging to create conditions for neurdoverse minds.
I also see parents actively wanting to help support their child rather than stick them in a box that doesn’t fit them.
There is an awareness now that ADHD is more than just being hyperactive and an understanding that each person’s brain chemistry is different.
There isn’t a one size fits all approach to managing symptoms, and medication is only one route.
Your show touches on meditation and mindfulness. Do you find these techniques personally useful?
Absolutely. Meditation helped me decrease my dependency on medication, but while it helped calm my mind it was breathwork that had a huge impact on regulating my nervous system.
So much so that in a classic ADHD impulsive moment, in 2023, I decided to fly to Bali to train as a breathwork coach, which is something I talk about in the show.
Mindfulness has helped me become more aware of my thoughts and observe their patterns with curiosity and humour.
How did you get your start in theatre? Do you find Fringe festivals inspiring?
I began training at Charles Verrall’s improv workshops in London every Saturday, which led to performing my first live show with Hoopla Impro, and that was my gateway into the world of acting, comedy and theatre.
What are you looking forward to the most at Edinburgh?
The buzz of performing on stage every night, changing and sculpting the show, supporting friends shows and discovering amazing new talent.
Being immersed in art and creativity 24/7 is such a unique experience that only the Fringe can offer, and I can’t wait to be part of it again.
Where can we see your work after Fringe?
I don’t have a show post fringe confirmed yet. But any updates will be via my instagram @steviewhiteley!