Speed is Emotional is a “funny as hell theatre extravaganza” that shares the exhaustion, joy and absurdity of living and parenting with ADHD.

The show is touring Whangārei, Hamilton and Wellington in February and March and neurodivergent audience members can access discounted tickets.

Creative powerhouse Jo Randerson (ONZM) unpacks their ADHD diagnosis, neurodivergent parenting, sad songs, men taking their time, and so much more in this highly lauded show from Pōneke’s Barbarian theatre company.

Jo weaves their trademark punk poetic magic into a beautiful physical comedy about transcending labels and living life with a voltage so high it’s going to blow the mains.

Check out this short video trailer! Speed is Emotional trailer (vimeo.com) 

Access information for neurodivergent audiences

• Every performance of Speed is Emotional is relaxed. You don’t need to stay for the full show, you can leave and re-enter as you need.
   
• There will be a quiet space allocated in the venue so if you need a bit of space at any time you can take some time out there.
   
• Aisle seats will be reserved for those that might wish to move.
   
• Feel free to make noises, to clap, click or tic as you need to.
   
• Trigger warning: there will be talk about mental distress. But there will also be jokes. Because jokes are a defense against pain.
   
• There are a few places where there will be loud bangs, or snippets of music played loudly. Please bring your quiet fidget toys, weighted blankets or any other comfort tools that you need. 

Discount tickets

Neurodivergent audience members can book ACCESS TICKETS for $20 (plus booking fees) at each of the venues below. Go to the booking page for each venue and look for the access ticketing information.

Whangarei Season
ONEONESIX, 17 & 18 Feb 6:30pm

Kirikiriroa Hamilton Season, Hamilton Arts Festival 
The Meteor, 21 & 22 Feb
Sat 7pm, Sun 4pm

Pōneke Wellington Season, Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts 
Circa Theatre, 11 – 28 Mar
Tues – Sat 7pm, Sun 4pm

(To book access tickets for Circa please call 04 801 7992 or email circa@circa.co.nz) 

Article added: Monday 16 February 2026