Brand-new, Heartwarming Neurodivergent Musical at This Year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Isabella Pettite and Nikki Laurence present
Photo Credit – Izzy Pettite
Space Cadet, a new original musical by Isabella Pettite and Nikki Laurence premiers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.Combining original music, humour and heartfelt storytelling, the show offers an authentic and uplifting exploration of neurodivergent life from the perspective of a neurodivergent performer.
It’s impossible to say exactly what to expect from Space Cadet! Literally, the show comprises of
two, let’s say quirky, neurodivergent individuals on stage, with their instruments, for an hour telling a story and singing songs… This musical will mean something different to every single audience member – some will find it eye-opening, some will find it validating, some fascinating and some absolutely baffling; but it’s guaranteed that the audience be entertained as they go on a journey into a neurodivergent mind, and that the world will be seen in an entirely different way once this show has been experienced!
Space Cadet invites you into a world like no other – a world where people, emotions and music are all bursting with colour, where ordinary situations become extraordinary adventures and time is a concept you can’t seem to grasp. When asked about the show, creator Isabella Pettite said ‘I’ve always seen the world differently but couldn’t find the words to explain why. I never actually intended to write a show, I didn’t think I could! What started out as writing one song to try to communicate how I experience emotions turned into ten songs. Suddenly, I was writing about all the outrageous things people have said to me about my neurodivergence, as well as situations I’ve found myself in that seem straight from a comedy skit and before I knew it, I had a musical!’.
This show is proudly challenging outdated stereotypes, and redefining what it means to be neurodivergent in theatre. Space Cadet offers a fresh perspective on neurodivergent experiences and sparks conversations about inclusion, identity and the many ways people experience the world around them. Co-creator Nikki Laurence said, ‘Over the course of the last year we’ve made this piece which is an amazing journey through the most incredible mind and the most amazing world of Izzy.’Whether audience members identify as neurodivergent themselves, or simply enjoy new and original storytelling, Space Cadet offers an opportunity to connect with a perspective that is rarely seen on stage.
As a neurodivergent performer, Isabella’s mission is to give neurodiversity an authentic platform while opening doors for the show’s future development. The aim for the show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe is to be a catalyst for change and create further professional opportunities for both the creatives involved and the show itself.
Listings and Ticket Information
Venue: Just the Tonic at The Caves, Just the Wee One (Venue 88)
Dates: 8th– 31st Aug 2026 (excluding 11th, 18th, 25th)
Time: 10:50am (1 hour)
Box Office: 0131 226 0026
Book tickets here: edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/space-cadet
