Welcome Week Show: Chameleon by Jess Telling
Following consecutive 4* runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and London, Chameleon celebrates its finale in Manchester. With dry wit and existential dread, our autistic heroine plunges headfirst into an identity crisis questioning whether her all-consuming relationship is worth losing herself.
A 20-30 minute post-show Q&A will follow this 60 minute performance. Both take place in the John Thaw Studio Theatre.
4-Stars ‘Chameleon does a great job from the start in highlighting just how inclusive theatre can be… The writing is razor sharp and filled with compassion’
– Love London, Love Culture
4-Stars ‘The performance is nothing short of spectacular…I found myself forgetting to write notes, being drawn into their story, holding back my tears’
– EdFringeReview
4-Stars ‘Jess Telling’s writing is vulnerable and emotive, dealing with sometimes overwhelming thoughts that that might go through an autistic person’s head’ – EdFringeReview
4-Stars ‘Chameleon shines a light on the vulnerability of autistic women seeking validation and intimacy.’ - LouReviews
Nominated for Neurodiverse Reviews’ Actually Autistic Excellence Award 2024.
Hope Rose nominated for Fringe Theatre Awards’ Lead Performance in a Play 2025/2026.
Chameleon’s production in London 2025 was supported using public funding by the
National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Age advisory / content advisory (if applicable): 16+
This production includes strong language, discussion of alcohol and drugs. depictions of tobacco use, ableism, and references to emotional abuse.
Accessibility:
For any questions about access, please email chameleonprods@gmail.com.
All performances are sensory-adapted. Sensory toys, ear plugs and visual guides will be provided. A quiet break-out space will also be available before and after the show. There will be no interval, the performance is an hour long. Audience members are welcome to leave and re-enter the performance at any time.
A trauma-informed practitioner will be at each performance to handle any distress that may arise.
If you or someone you know relates to the themes of this play, the below organisations offer discreet help:
www.refuge.org.uk
www.womensaid.org.uk
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Website URL: https://linktr.ee/chameleontheatre
Social media links:
Instagram: @chameleon.play
- ChameleoninManchester
