In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Tamsin Shasha about their show Forgive Me.
What can you tell me about your show?
Forgive Me tells a very special story. Combining pole performance, video projection and gameplay, the show is an innovative, authentic and dynamic solo show that explores the relationship between autism, gaming, and late diagnoses of ADHD.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Forgive Me encompasses a real mix of styles! The show is joyful, funny and deeply relevant to many timely contemporary talking points today. In the show, we explore intergenerational neurodiversity and how the virtual world functions to support the son’s autism, and how this enhances the overall storytelling in the project.
Forgive Me encompasses a real mix of styles! The show is joyful, funny and deeply relevant to many timely contemporary talking points today. In the show, we explore intergenerational neurodiversity and how the virtual world functions to support the son’s autism, and how this enhances the overall storytelling in the project.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 2021 and soon after I joined an Introduction to Autism course for parents of recently diagnosed children. The course was run by the NHS and was so helpful to me. I began to understand his behaviour and why certain communication issues affected him. I became very interested in anything related to neurology and autism. My son is also an avid gamer and I was interested in the possible correlation between gaming and autism; as a theatre maker I thought there was potential to explore this theatrically and dynamically. My son’s voice and his influence features heavily in the show. I didn’t want the narrative to be didactic or depressing, but I wanted to tell the story physically, joyfully and comedically, and use my skills as a pole dancer to explore the mother coming to terms with her son’s diagnosis and also the possibility of them jointly fighting virtual monsters together. The pole became a playground to explore these ideas, the disconnect between the mother and the son and the mother’s virtual battleground. I piloted an early version of the show at the Lowry in 2023. In 2025 I received a late ADHD diagnosis which fed into the final show, which is what I will be premiering at Summerhall.
Well, my son was diagnosed with autism in 2021 and soon after I joined an Introduction to Autism course for parents of recently diagnosed children. The course was run by the NHS and was so helpful to me. I began to understand his behaviour and why certain communication issues affected him. I became very interested in anything related to neurology and autism. My son is also an avid gamer and I was interested in the possible correlation between gaming and autism; as a theatre maker I thought there was potential to explore this theatrically and dynamically. My son’s voice and his influence features heavily in the show. I didn’t want the narrative to be didactic or depressing, but I wanted to tell the story physically, joyfully and comedically, and use my skills as a pole dancer to explore the mother coming to terms with her son’s diagnosis and also the possibility of them jointly fighting virtual monsters together. The pole became a playground to explore these ideas, the disconnect between the mother and the son and the mother’s virtual battleground. I piloted an early version of the show at the Lowry in 2023. In 2025 I received a late ADHD diagnosis which fed into the final show, which is what I will be premiering at Summerhall.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
It’s a very resonant, relevant and authentic story, based on my own journey. Neurodiversity and gaming are huge players in the 21st century - not just in the UK but globally. I wanted to share my experience with others, especially parents who are concerned about their children’s screen time and the concept of ‘gaming addiction’. I hope that my project sheds some nuanced light on the issues. I also think having an older performer on a pole offers an empowering role model for women everywhere.
It’s a very resonant, relevant and authentic story, based on my own journey. Neurodiversity and gaming are huge players in the 21st century - not just in the UK but globally. I wanted to share my experience with others, especially parents who are concerned about their children’s screen time and the concept of ‘gaming addiction’. I hope that my project sheds some nuanced light on the issues. I also think having an older performer on a pole offers an empowering role model for women everywhere.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Lots of water. Lots of coffee. Regular acupuncture and deep tissue massage, plus a few saunas I hope. A good vocal and physical warm up before each show. I also find visualising really helps, so I will imagine myself in the space performing and in the Summerhall courtyard after!
Lots of water. Lots of coffee. Regular acupuncture and deep tissue massage, plus a few saunas I hope. A good vocal and physical warm up before each show. I also find visualising really helps, so I will imagine myself in the space performing and in the Summerhall courtyard after!
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Miniature versions of my Pleasers (7 inch pole heels that I wear in the show). I might have to be wearing the real ones when I’m handing them out!
Miniature versions of my Pleasers (7 inch pole heels that I wear in the show). I might have to be wearing the real ones when I’m handing them out!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Probably ibuprofen to help with muscular aches and pains. As an older pole dancer my body is under quite a lot of stress. I’m taking my pillow from home too though ;-)
Probably ibuprofen to help with muscular aches and pains. As an older pole dancer my body is under quite a lot of stress. I’m taking my pillow from home too though ;-)
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
An award would be nice, but just hearing other SEND parents say that Forgive Me makes them feel acknowledged and understood would make me happy.
An award would be nice, but just hearing other SEND parents say that Forgive Me makes them feel acknowledged and understood would make me happy.
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| Photo by Phil Tragen. |
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I haven’t had much time to look yet but I’ll definitely be watching The Raft of the Crab by Ninon Noiret, which looks awesome. I love other solos and seeing how creatives respond to the restrictions of being on stage alone.
I haven’t had much time to look yet but I’ll definitely be watching The Raft of the Crab by Ninon Noiret, which looks awesome. I love other solos and seeing how creatives respond to the restrictions of being on stage alone.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Arthur’s Seat of course, because you just have to - and it’s close to Summerhall - but I’ll also be making a visit to the Botanical Gardens, as I am a keen gardener when I’m not making theatre.
Arthur’s Seat of course, because you just have to - and it’s close to Summerhall - but I’ll also be making a visit to the Botanical Gardens, as I am a keen gardener when I’m not making theatre.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Funny. Compelling. Emotional. Joyful. Hopeful.
Funny. Compelling. Emotional. Joyful. Hopeful.
What keeps you inspired?
Seeing audience members find meaning and joy in my work
Seeing audience members find meaning and joy in my work
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
A greater understanding of the subject matter and a feeling of affirmation.
A greater understanding of the subject matter and a feeling of affirmation.
When and where can people see the show?
You can see Forgive Me at Summerhall (TechCube Zero) from 7-31 August (no performances on 18, 26) at 1:20pm!
You can see Forgive Me at Summerhall (TechCube Zero) from 7-31 August (no performances on 18, 26) at 1:20pm!
Tickets for Forgive Me are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/forgive-me
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