In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Gabrielle Leonore discusses their show My Life as an Inspirational Porn Star.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
My Life as an “Inspiration Porn” Star is an irreverent one-woman comedy about my life as an “inspirational porn” star. It’s full of anecdotes of sex, drugs, and everything else nobody prepares you for—especially as an autistic woman.
My Life as an “Inspiration Porn” Star is an irreverent one-woman comedy about my life as an “inspirational porn” star. It’s full of anecdotes of sex, drugs, and everything else nobody prepares you for—especially as an autistic woman.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
The “inspiration” came from the podcast Spectrumly Speaking, where I first heard the term “Inspirational Porn.” Everything clicked. I’d been called "resilient" and “a miracle” for doing the bare minimum—living alone, holding a job—you know, things RFK Jr. couldn’t possibly imagine someone like me doing.
The “inspiration” came from the podcast Spectrumly Speaking, where I first heard the term “Inspirational Porn.” Everything clicked. I’d been called "resilient" and “a miracle” for doing the bare minimum—living alone, holding a job—you know, things RFK Jr. couldn’t possibly imagine someone like me doing.
I always felt both destined for more and deeply inadequate. I even say in the show: “I’m the most confident insecure person I know.”
So, if the world wants to exploit me, I figured I might as well exploit myself first—and tell my story. My way. That’s how I became an “Inspirational Porn” Star!
How have you approached developing the show?
I started creating a character to—ironically—talk about myself. What a concept! I even played the classic” Porn Star Name” game. Mine? Ginger Court: a “washed up child star”, a mix of Judy Garland and Lindsay Lohan.
I started creating a character to—ironically—talk about myself. What a concept! I even played the classic” Porn Star Name” game. Mine? Ginger Court: a “washed up child star”, a mix of Judy Garland and Lindsay Lohan.
It felt like the perfect metaphor for being an autistic adult: once you grow up, nobody cares anymore. People would rather “save the children” instead.
How would you describe the style of the show?
It’s stand-up, burlesque, and a deep existential character study. There’s something for everybody as they say.
It’s stand-up, burlesque, and a deep existential character study. There’s something for everybody as they say.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
According to Noah Pantano’s Fringe Review: humor, sex, and heart.
According to Noah Pantano’s Fringe Review: humor, sex, and heart.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Isn’t that the million-dollar question? Or should I say pounds? I’m trying to take it day by day and prioritize self-care. The Fringe feels like the Olympics of my acting career, and I want to enjoy it without burning out. As long as I stay grounded, I think I will be okay.
Isn’t that the million-dollar question? Or should I say pounds? I’m trying to take it day by day and prioritize self-care. The Fringe feels like the Olympics of my acting career, and I want to enjoy it without burning out. As long as I stay grounded, I think I will be okay.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
It will be my first time in Scotland—actually, my first time in Europe— so I’m excited to take in as much of the culture, history, and of course, Fringe, as I can visit?
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Furniture Boys by Emily Weitzman at Underbelly George Square!
Furniture Boys by Emily Weitzman at Underbelly George Square!
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
Seeing Wicked on Broadway at 16. Defying Gravity gave me a high I could never forget. I like to think I’m defying gravity myself—at least I will on the twelve hour flight.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Whether or not you’re neurodivergent, I hope people leave the show feeling seen. Life’s messy, and we’re all just trying to get through it. We can even find strength—even bravery—in the breakdown. I want people to feel safe in their vulnerability and to know that their emotions are valid.
Whether or not you’re neurodivergent, I hope people leave the show feeling seen. Life’s messy, and we’re all just trying to get through it. We can even find strength—even bravery—in the breakdown. I want people to feel safe in their vulnerability and to know that their emotions are valid.
For neurodivergent people, I want them to feel less alone.
After my Tampa Fringe premiere, so many women and neurodivergent audience members told me they related to my story. That means the world to me. I can’t wait to bring that same energy to Edinburgh.
Where and when can people see your show?
31st July - 11th August at 20.35 (60 mins) Just the Snifter Room at Just the Tonic at The Mash House (venue 288). Tickets are available to purchase online from edinburgh.justthetonic.com and edfringe.com, at the venue box office, or from the Fringe Society at 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1Q
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