A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy is currently showing at the Soho Theatre’s studio. Directed by Cian Murphy and Nick Llewellyn, this captivating performance runs for 65 minutes and will premiere on May 20, 2025.
Imagine a rockstar rubbing elbows with Lily Allen and Mike Skinner, only to find himself at rock bottom. He journeys to India and emerges as a spiritual guru. While this premise may sound clichéd, the story reveals a unique twist.
Presented by Access All Areas, a theatre company led by autistic and learning-disabled artists, this dark comedic production dives deep into the imaginative worlds our protagonist escapes to when he feels constrained by a society that doesn’t accommodate him. Through a blend of musical performances, interviews, and even shark encounters, we gradually uncover the truth behind the mask Alfie wears.
Cian Binchy takes on the role of Alfie, who engages in a conversation about his autobiography with Anna Constable, his (literal) ghostwriter, who appears draped in white. As they piece together his narrative, Alfie shares the various personas he has embodied, from the lead lyricist of the successful band Camden Stoners to an esteemed yogi.
Anna seamlessly shifts between roles, portraying everyone from Alfie’s confident bandmate Aofie to his partner Yasmin—and even a cow at one point. One of the show’s most poignant moments occurs when she expresses her frustration over constantly transforming to suit Alfie’s fantasies, serving as a powerful metaphor for the societal pressure women on the autism spectrum often face to conform.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “masking,” is a prevalent coping mechanism for autistic individuals and is a central theme of the performance. The nuanced exploration of gender differences in this context benefits from the involvement of neurodiverse talent throughout the production.
As the performance reaches its peak, Alfie is confronted with the stark reality of his blurred lines between delusion and truth. Panic ensues as his various masks begin to fall away, forcing him to confront his vulnerabilities and share the more challenging aspects of growing up autistic.
Despite its serious undertones, the show is infused with humor. It’s clear why both Cian and Alfie hold a strong esteem within the theatre community; their charisma and comedic timing allow them to evoke laughter even in the most emotional moments. With playful elements, including shark costumes and cardboard cutouts, A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy cleverly dismantles stereotypes surrounding neurodiversity, one eccentric scene at a time.
For more information about the production’s tour, click here.
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