Comedy / Josephine Lacey
Josephine Lacey on confessional standup, the success of ‘Autism Mama’ and playing Bristol Comedy Garden
Having been a staple on the London comedy circuit since 2008, it was many years later when Josephine Lacey made the decision to write a solo standup hour.
The result was Autism Mama, which took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm in 2024, earning her a slew of positive reviews.
At once undeniably funny and startlingly honest, it was also an hour shot through with the wisdom gleaned from Lacey’s experiences as a parent to a child with autism.
is needed now More than ever
The show proved to be a springboard to another level for Lacey’s career, while introducing her to a much wider audience. She will be featuring on the bill for the ever-popular Bristol Comedy Garden this June, and caught up with Bristol24/7 in the run-up to the event.
How has 2025 been for you so far?
“At the beginning of this year, I signed with Blue Book Artist Management, and together we are taking Autism Mama on a UK tour with summer and winter dates. I am also doing a few festivals, including Bristol Comedy Garden. I have a couple of writing projects in the pipeline, which I am excited about, and I’m working more out of the UK – which is great as I love travelling to different places.
“I’m also doing some wonderful work with The Comedy School, using comedy to help support mental health. To be able to use the art of comedy in such a meaningful way, fills me with joy. Things are looking positive.”
Photo: Jiksaw
In terms of where you gravitate in terms of finding inspiration for your material, what has changed since you first began performing?
“I have always found inspiration from real-life experiences and from the things that I passionately love and hate. Over the years, I’ve become comfortable sharing deeper and more personal stuff. That’s one of the reasons why I love my show. It’s personal but funny, and because of that, audiences listen to the story, and leave the show knowing a little more about my personal circumstances and more insight to the subject matter.”
How would you characterise yourself as a comic today?
“I’m a storyteller. My best comedy writing comes from what I know and what I have lived with or through. I’m not good at making things up. If I do not believe or feel what I am writing or saying, how will an audience believe and invest in what I am saying?”
The critical and public response to your 2024 show Autism Mama was hugely positive. What was the impact on you personally?
“I was blown away at the level of attention my show got from audiences and reviewers. I mean, I knew I loved the show, but to know the public, my peers and critics loved it as much as me, was the best feeling. I cannot thank Soho Theatre enough for believing in me and my show. The impact has been brilliant.
“I have been contacted by a number of autism and neurodiverse support groups to either do the show or do workshops. I appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, and was also invited to record part of a comedy special which will be aired on the same radio station. I have had talks with a book publisher, and been approached about scriptwriting for a sitcom.
“But beyond all that, the best impact for me has been the positive feedback and messages from parents, grandparents, siblings of those on the spectrum, adults with autism, those that work with SEN or support groups, and those that do not live with or have a relationship with autism, but are now learning more about it.”
The Saturday afternoon lineup for 2025: Amy Gledhill, Sean Walsh, Josephine Lacey, Rachel Parris, Alan Davis – photo: Bristol Comedy Garden
Have you found there to be a greater interaction with your audience members since you decided to discuss neurodiversity on stage, and has it shaped your view of what standup can achieve?
“Because of my MC skills, I am naturally interactive with audiences. But I can say that I am spoken to and contacted a lot more by audience members after a show. I think using comedy to talk about subjects that communities find taboo or challenging is great. I find that if you can make an audience laugh at that taboo topic or issue, they will listen all the more to the message within the laughter.”
Can you tell us what you might want to talk about in future shows?
“Regarding comedy, I have a gut feeling that there will be an Autism Mama (Part Two). My journey with my son, learning about autism and supporting someone I love dearly who is autistic has given me a wealth of experiences and emotions that I want to share. The success of last year’s show has given me the confidence and insight that people want to hear real stories that they can connect with or learn from.
“I also have serious stuff that I would like to write and talk about. Like when my son was 15, he had one of his meltdowns at home and neighbours called the police. He was arrested and detained for 18 hours, refused his rights and treated with no regard. He was of course released with no charge because no crime had taken place. With that kind of writing, I will not be trying to make it funny, because I can’t see the humour in it. It’s more suited to playwriting, for theatre.”
This will be your first year performing at Bristol Comedy Garden. What are you anticipating or most looking forward to about the event?
“Oh my! I am so stoked to be part of this year’s Bristol Comedy Garden. The lineups are awesome. I am looking forward to having a great time. I love being around the buzz of live comedy and hearing laughter. There are a few acts that I have never worked with so I am looking forward to watching them.”
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Josephine Lacey will be appearing in the Saturday afternoon show at Bristol Comedy Garden, which returns to Queen Square from June 4 to 8. For lineup information and tickets, visit www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk.
Main photo: Jiksaw
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