Type: Storytelling Comedies, Audience Interaction, Self-deprecating Humour
If You Liked: Rove McManus
Award winning comedian and Fringe Fund Recipient Colin Ebsworth returns with his new show Maybe He’s Born with It, Maybe it’s ADHD. For those who don’t know ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Ebsworth’s show is a deep dive from childhood to adulthood using a candid, self-deprecating lens of humourous stories.
Ebsworth spent his life undiagnosed, uses his show to advocate raising awareness of ADHD, how it impacts those around him as well as critiquing society for how they put down ‘out of the box thinkers’ especially in the education system in a raw and emotional way. Ebsworth enjoyed gathering material from audience reactions, several of whom lived with a neurodiversity. Initially Ebsworth came across as crass, low brow and used his jokes like an armour, a technique he used throughout school, earning a reputation as ‘the trouble kid’ where he saw each new classroom as a new audience trying to gain acceptance from his peers.
Throughout, Ebsworth uses a multimedia approach to his show utilising PowerPoint presentation to display school photos, scathing report cards and audio music clips with 90’s references galore. He pivots throughout to use his sound and lighting to show what sensory overload from an ADHD brain feels like by overlapping his voice with various levels of volume, sound and using stage lights. For those who find sensory experiences overwhelming, the show is high energy and fast paced with several moments of loud sound and lighting. Using noise cancelling headphones or sitting back from the stage is recommended. But for sensory seekers a front row seat is a must do.
Ebsworth left audiences with a strong poignant message, that he’d like people leave with an understanding and context for their experiences but most importantly to feel understood, heard and accepted. His show is especially important for those with ADHD and those who care about someone in their life with it. Though the content is adult, Ebsworth is looking for ways to adjust his show to be suitable for younger audiences. He has shows on for the rest of the Fringe season and is well worth checking out.
See our other reviews from the Adelaide Festival in the link below
Tickets and Practical Info for Colin Ebsworth at Adelaide Festival 🎟️
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/maybe-he-s-born-with-it-maybe-it-s-adhd-may-af2026
10 Mar – Sun, 22 Mar
60 min
BankSA Theatre at Gluttony – Rymill Park
MA15+
$27.50 to $30
