Deep Dive: Claire Mabey reviews Jo Randerson’s theatre show Speed is Emotional about ADHD life

The review by Claire Mabey intertwines a theatre critique with a snapshot of local Wellington discourse, highlighting Jo Randerson’s show Speed is Emotional as a personal exploration of ADHD that resonates through its radical, funny, and compassionate lens. This piece captures a moment of cultural reflection in New Zealand’s capital, where artistic expression intersects with social commentary heard on RNZ’s The Panel. The mention of Murray Edridge and the letter against government move-on orders underscores a broader context of community leaders advocating for humane policies. Wellington, known for its vibrant arts scene centered around venues like Circa Theatre, provides the geographic backdrop, with neighborhoods like Newtown and the CBD symbolizing the city's creative and political pulse. Randerson’s long-standing presence in the arts community positions them as a figure of generosity, bridging personal neurodiversity narratives with audience empathy. The review’s structure—blending a drive-time radio listen with theatre attendance—mirrors everyday immersion in local issues. Implications extend to how arts in New Zealand amplify social services voices, like those from Wellington City Mission, against perceived lacks in government compassion. This fosters dialogue on mental health representation through theatre, potentially influencing public perceptions of ADHD. Cross-border, it reflects global trends in neurodiverse storytelling in performing arts, though rooted in Kiwi cultural contexts of iwi involvement and community letters. Looking ahead, such reviews could spotlight more interdisciplinary works, encouraging empathy in policy debates and artistic outputs, with Wellington’s scene continuing to nurture these intersections.