Welcome Week Show: Chameleon by Jess Telling

Following consecutive 4* runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and London, Chameleon celebrates its finale in Manchester. With dry wit and existential dread, our autistic heroine plunges headfirst into an identity crisis questioning whether her all-consuming relationship is worth losing herself.

???? ?Chameleon does a great job from the start in highlighting just how inclusive theatre can be? The writing is razor sharp and filled with compassion? Love London, Love Culture

???? ?The performance is nothing short of spectacular?I found myself forgetting to write notes, being drawn into their story, holding back my tears? EdFringeReview

???? ?Jess Telling?s writing is vulnerable and emotive, dealing with sometimes overwhelming thoughts that that might go through an autistic person?s head? EdFringeReview

???? ?Chameleon shines a light on the vulnerability of autistic women seeking validation and intimacy.? LouReviews

Nominated for Neurodiverse Reviews? Actually Autistic Excellence Award 2024.

Hope Rose nominated for Fringe Theatre Awards? Lead Performance in a Play 2025/2026.

Chameleon?s production in London 2025 was supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Age and Content advisory

16+. This production includes strong language, discussion of alcohol and drugs. depictions of tobacco use, ableism, and references to emotional abuse.

Accessibility

For any questions about access, please email chameleonprods@gmail.com.

All performances are sensory-adapted. Sensory toys, ear plugs and visual guides will be provided. A quiet break-out space will also be available before and after the show. There will be no interval, the performance is an hour long. Audience members are welcome to leave and re-enter the performance at any time.

A trauma-informed practitioner will be at each performance to handle any distress that may arise.

If you or someone you know relates to the themes of this play, the below organisations offer discreet help:

Refuge Womens Aid Mens Advice Line

Chameleon

@chameleon.play | #ChameleoninManchester

Creative Team:

Writer/Director: Jess Telling (she/her)

Producer: Gabi McGurk (she/her)

Cast:

Chameleon - Hope Rose (she/they)

Snake ? James Murison (they/them)

Gecko ? Rachel Keller (she/her)

Lead Researcher: Sarah Jane Nuttall (she/her)

Access Consultant: Kate Fox (they/them)

Visual Guide: WhatCollective

Whether purchasing online, by post, over the phone or in person, a booking fee is included in the advertised ticket price. A single transaction fee of ?1.25 will be levied at the point of purchase.

After the event is off sale online, tickets can be purchased directly from the Martin Harris Centre Box Office, subject to availability. The Box Office will open from one hour before an event is due to start.

Access related/wheelchair user and companion seats aren?t available online. Patrons should please book by calling Quaytickets on 0161 876 2015; or via the Martin Harris Centre Box Office by emailing boxoffice@manchester.ac.uk or by calling 0161 2758951. Please share your access requirements and any other information that may assist the team to find suitable seats at the time of booking. Please note that wheelchair spaces are limited to two per performance. (However, it is also possible to support wheelchair transfers where patrons are happy to do so.)

The Martin Harris Centre offers one free personal assistant/support worker ticket for all eligible customers. This companion seat is available at the discretion of the box office team to patrons who require support from another person to attend the Centre (due to an impairment or long-term medical condition.)