The ghost writer was an actual ghost

The ghostwriter in question was not a bona fide ghost, just an actor in a bed sheet—she was even told to take the sheet off. This delightful quirkiness perfectly captures the humour in the play, A Small Enclosed Room With Alfie Murphy, which cheekily probes, “How does your imagination affect your mental health?” Sounds like a therapy session waiting to happen, but with laughs.

In late May, my wife and I decided to embark on an epic adventure to the Cellar Theatre at the Laurence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, all inspired by an email I received on the old Kirklees Autism Group website. Despite my valiant efforts to broadcast this nugget of joy across my social media like a town crier on double espresso, I found myself amidst a sea of strangers, and no one I recognised was there. At least I can say I gave it my best shot.

Alfie Murphy, portrayed by co-writer Cian Binchy, is a neurodiverse individual, which resonates deeply, especially given that Binchy is autistic himself. The performance offered a welcoming environment for neurodiverse audiences, with a comforting understanding that anyone could step out at any point if needed; although, interestingly, no one chose to leave. Instead of breaking the fourth wall, the performance invites viewers into a space where it simply feels overlooked, creating a unique connection between the stage and the audience.

The play begins on an all-white set, but more props, including the many alter-egos of Alfie, were added as the performance progressed through episodes of Alfie’s life, with all the other characters played by Anna Constable, also an autistic actor.

Alfie reflected on his journey as a songwriter in a rock group, a wise guru, and an author, each role revealing different facets of his personality. Yet, there’s always a prevailing question that lingers for Alfie: what lies beneath it all? The guru gently invites the audience to join in a soothing chant, “I’m well, you are well, we are well, all is well,” and offered peculiar advice inspired by the lyrics of songs that audience members had shared earlier in the show.

During a poignant moment in a TV interview, Alfie experiences a deeply emotional breakdown while reflecting on his various roles. His struggle with identity is revealed as a response to past traumas, shedding light on the heavy burden of concealing his true self. This play explores the complexities of identity, highlighting the pain, isolation, and yearning for acceptance that often accompany the act of masking who we are. It compassionately examines both the benefits and challenges of this facade. With a blend of humour and darker undertones, the play invites the audience to connect with these themes.

A good evening out was topped when the cast and crew met with members of the audience after the show.