If you’re not sure what the letter A in the rainbow acronym LGBTQAI+ stands for, We’re Weird for Other Reasons will enlighten you. There is more than one on the A-spectrum (Aspec), which in themselves are umbrella terms for spectrums: Asexual (aka Ace), Aromantic, Aroace, Agender … A-spec identities can also include Demi and Aego: Demisexual, Demiromantic, Aegosexual, Aegoromantic not to mention Ace/aroflux, Cupiosexual/romantic …

These are entertainingly explored live on stage in We’re Weird for Other Reasons and further explained in the ‘Aspec Guide to Life’ zine, created by the show’s director James Wenley, which is generously handed out at the end of the show. It answers the questions you may have, expands on elements explored in the show and includes a comprehensive list of Recommended Resources.

“If a label feels good for you and your experience, great!” says James. “If it’s not useful, that’s okay too. Some folks might just choose to use aro, ace, aspec, or queer.”

The Gryphon stage is festooned with a festive multi-coloured backdrop of diverse fabrics and shapes – itself a metaphor for the A-spectrum. The cast – Rosemarie Boulton, Emily K. Brown, Ana Clarke, Shem Dixon, Nasya Gilbert, Austin Harrison (also Lighting Designer), Shiqi Ren, Jamie Sayers (also Set Designer), Susan Williams – open the show poker-faced while gyrating their pelvises to Vickie Norgrove’s soundscape (also tech operator).

They introduce themselves by name, label and pronouns and launch into a seamless series of sketches from solo and contemplative to playfully satirical – as with the recurring ‘LGBT Shop’ scenes where people come to find their identity, and which itself expands its awareness to become the LGBTQI+ Shop. There are scenes with parents, awkward encounters, a fashion show: ‘The Aspec Collection’, and a Game of Life show where your capacity to become a homeowner or access other qualities of life is tested against your age, occupation, health and relationship status. It’s all about winning the ‘right’ tokens – which brings a new meaning to ‘tokenism’.

While a full spectrum of emotions is traversed, including the loneliness of feeling different and out of the mainstream, the show is infused with the joy implicit in finding this platform to explore, express and share their realities.

Created by all the above-mentioned – plus Nina Hogg, Holly Kennedy (also Costume Designer) and Isabella Murray – the show was devised from a series of workshops and interviews held last year. “We believe that We’re Weird for Other Reasons is the world’s first collectively devised theatre show by aspec people, about aspec people,” the zine notes. “We’re proud to have a fully aspec creative team onstage and behind the scenes.”

In a world where the right to be yourself is challenged daily by politicians intent on winning votes from the wilfully ignorant, those fearful of difference and/or those happy to drift complacently in the ‘mainstream’, We’re Weird for Other Reasons is a healthy antidote and an invitation to broaden your awareness, not to mention your humanity.

For those who personally identify as aspec, or have family or friends on that spectrum, it’s a gift. And it’s also a rattling good show.

Note: The venue has been changed from The Gods Paramount to Gryphon Theatre.

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