Theatrically Authentic

In the final episode of this series of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore one of the most emotionally complex parts of working in theatre as a neurodivergent person: closing night. Together, they unpack why ending a show can feel less like simple nostalgia and more like genuine grief — especially for neurodivergent theatre makers whose routines, relationships, i...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott dive into the emotional complexity of Dear Evan Hansen — a show about anxiety, isolation, social performance, and the dangerous power of finally being noticed. Together, they explore why the musical resonates so strongly with neurodivergent audiences, unpacking themes of masking, maladaptive daydreaming, rejection se...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott dive deep into Hamilton — the cultural phenomenon that transformed modern musical theatre and became a hyperfixation for an entire generation of neurodivergent fans. From lyrical density and internal rhyme to reprises, motifs, and layered historical storytelling, they explore why Hamilton feels less like a musical… a...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what happens when audiences recognise neurodivergence in a character… but the script never says it out loud. From beloved fan favourites to controversial portrayals, they discuss why certain characters resonate so deeply with neurodivergent audiences — and where the line exists between meaningful representati...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what it actually means to be a neurodivergent performer — from auditions and rejection sensitivity to character building, hyperfocus, and the emotional intensity of stepping on stage. Simon reflects on his experiences as an autistic actor working across theatre, film, and television, discussing how performanc...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore the intense, joyful, and sometimes complicated world of theatre fandom. From hyperfixation and lore-sharing to stage door etiquette and parasocial relationships, the episode examines why theatre fandom resonates so deeply with neurodivergent audiences, and how musicals become systems of comfort, identity, and...

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic , Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott continue their exploration of why theatre can feel both regulating and overwhelming for neurodivergent people. From rehearsal rooms and tech week to previews, press nights, and backstage rituals, the episode examines the hidden systems that keep live theatre running, alongside the emotional and sensory demands placed...

In the inaugural episode of Theatrically Authentic , hosts Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore why theatre feels so magnetic to neurodivergent people — both onstage and backstage. From “performance brains” and “technical brains” to masking, hyperfocus, burnout, and the emotional intensity of live performance, this episode unpacks the unique relationship between neurodivergence and the th...

Please take your seats — the performance is about to begin! Welcome to Theatrically Authentic, a behind-the-scenes theatre podcast exploring musical theatre, performance, fandom, and neurodivergent creativity through an autistic cultural lens. Part of the Autistic Culture Podcast Network. Hosted by Autistic theatre-makers Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott, the series dives into the emotional a...