Gabrielle Leonore tells us she’s autistic straight off the bat in this show, which I am reviewing from a recording made in Edinburgh). But it’s no pity party.
My Life as an ‘Inspirational Porn’ Star! looks at the misappropriation of disability by neurotypical people, and challenges any misconceptions you may have of how neurodiverse people are (or should be).
Leonore is a loud and vivacious American. It’s impossible not to like her or the structure of her show. It poses three questions and offers answers in a series of thirteen chapters.
Comedian and disability activist Stella Young coined the phase “inspirational porn” to describe those stories where disabilities have been “overcome’. It looks at the unrealistic expectations placed by wider society.
It’s a very funny show that places Leonore in lingerie, as clickbaity as the stories and words she deplores. Yes, I’m autistic, Inspirational Porn Star says, but that makes me no better or worse than you. We are equals.
With a strong command of her audience, Leonore tells us her own tales and tribulations. It’s cheeky, pointed, and heartfelt. It may linger a little long on a chapter or two, but largely it is a show that doesn’t feel forced or inept in any way.
The anecdotes are crisp and pointed, the creativity is strong, and the feeling that being non-disabled is both the norm and the achievement is quickly dispelled.
Although in the video recording I couldn’t always make out what was on the screen at the back of the stage, I could easily follow what was going on. The focus between the humorous and more serious sections was clearly signposted.
This was a positive show with a personal touch. Inspirational in itself, but through its originality and style rather than ‘oh look at me I’m autistic.’
It may help the wider perspective on how we view those with disabilities and what they can achieve, without using lurid headlines or sensational stories.
Gabrielle Leonore’s My Life as an ‘Inspirational Porn’ Star ran at Edinburgh Fringe this year. You can follow Gabrielle on Instagram to find out more about the show.
3.5 stars