when: 06 - 18 October 2026 | venue: Grouse Melbourne | cost: 21-28 | address: 171 Smith St | website: https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/im-not-mad-im-maddie | tickets: https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/im-not-mad-im-maddie
published: 20 Aug 2026, 1 min read
Ever felt like everyone got handed an instruction manual for “functioning in society” except you?
Maddie Jai has spent a lifetime succeeding in all the wrong ways. She's found herself wrangling dangerous animals, chauffeuring drag queens in the outback, and training an assistance dog even more unruly than she is. Confusingly, she loses all confidence when someone suggests “grabbing a coffee.”
I'm Not Mad, I'm Maddie is a darkly funny autobiographical comedy about late autism diagnosis, accidental achievements, and the bizarre relief of finally beginning to understand yourself after years of being labelled “difficult,” “volatile,” and “too much.”
In her debut hour, Maddie retraces the milestones nobody celebrates, from surviving systems not built for you to hiding backstage at exclusive events behind six-foot drag queens dripping in sequins.
Stuck firmly between Russel Coight and a Centrelink appeals tribunal, this is a show about spite, survival, and accidentally becoming the most magnetic person in the room while trying desperately not to be seen.
One autistic (not Mad) Maddie, pockets full of inappropriate stim toys, several misunderstood achievements and a lifetime of overcommitting to the bit.
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Ever felt like everyone got handed an instruction manual for “functioning in society” except you?
Maddie Jai has spent a lifetime succeeding in all the wrong ways. She's found herself wrangling dangerous animals, chauffeuring drag queens in the outback, and training an assistance dog even more unruly than she is. Confusingly, she loses all confidence when someone suggests “grabbing a coffee.”
I'm Not Mad, I'm Maddie is a darkly funny autobiographical comedy about late autism diagnosis, accidental achievements, and the bizarre relief of finally beginning to understand yourself after years of being labelled “difficult,” “volatile,” and “too much.”
In her debut hour, Maddie retraces the milestones nobody celebrates, from surviving systems not built for you to hiding backstage at exclusive events behind six-foot drag queens dripping in sequins.
Stuck firmly between Russel Coight and a Centrelink appeals tribunal, this is a show about spite, survival, and accidentally becoming the most magnetic person in the room while trying desperately not to be seen.
One autistic (not Mad) Maddie, pockets full of inappropriate stim toys, several misunderstood achievements and a lifetime of overcommitting to the bit.
Go see I'm not Mad, I'm Maddie 2026.
I'm not Mad, I'm Maddie 2026 is on 06 - 18 October 2026. The opening hours are: Various. Conveniently located in Fitzroy. Visit their website at https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/im-not-mad-im-maddie.
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