If you’ve ever wanted to find out what the life of a disabled person is really like, Hot Mess Access, now playing as part of FRINGE WORLD 2026, is a good place to start.

As a disabled person myself, I’d say this show does an excellent job of illustrating what life with a disability is actually like. Giving an insight into some of the actual realities of what we think, feel and face, rather than what people perceive exists. From the viewpoint of people with a range of different disabilities telling their stories, their way and in the medium of their choice.

The show explores themes such as low expectations of disabled people’s abilities, the infantilisation of disabled people, and society's tendency to see us as inspirational rather than sensual beings. The difficulty disabled people have in telling their stories, without being influenced by the non-disabled perception and experience. And, finding and nurturing the ability to be yourself and be proud of who you are, despite the labels or assumptions levelled at you by those who are not in your shoes. At least this is what I got out of it anyway. You see, the show was full of music, dance, visual/concept art, and storytelling. But it was often presented in a way that I, being blind, wasn’t able to follow fully. 

This was particularly ironic, when the act involving a character called ‘Eyesight,’ who was interpreted by a performer who is blind, put a group of volunteers through their paces as they performed everyday tasks wearing blindfolds. In an effort to prove that she may do things differently, but she can still do them and maintain her independence. This was the section I found the most difficult to follow. The production does have Auslan interpretation, but may benefit from audio description or more detailed narration as well.

Overall, though, this is an enjoyable show (albeit a tad long), with some very captivating performers. And it has the potential to influence people‘s perceptions of disability for the better.

Give it a go. You might learn something.