A-Typical Rainbow is an authentic representation of autism and a charming queer coming of age story – review
A-Typical Rainbow is a rare play: its central subject matter is autism, and it’s written by someone on the autism spectrum. Playwright JJ Green – who plays the role of ‘Boy’ in this show – is an advocate for neurodivergent representation in theatre, so to have this show debuting in London is certainly something to celebrate.
It’s also a charming queer coming of age story, full of wonder and discovery. We’ve become big fans of the Turbine Theatre and their commitment to giving new LGBTQ+ works a platform, and to representing the untold stories of marginalised groups: A-Typical Rainbow is another fine example of this.
The audience is invited in to see the world from Green’s point of view, and it’s a fascinating journey. There’s a dreamlike quality to proceedings – indeed the play includes numerous sequences which delve deep into Green’s imagination, where mermaids are as real as anything else in the surrounding world.
While it’s a joy to glimpse inside Green’s glorious technicolour universe, A-Typical Rainbow doesn’t shy away from showing the feelings of loneliness, or the stigma that wider society still attaches to autism.
