Exeter teen’s neurodiverse reimagining of Goldilocks set for stage debut

An award-winning Devon theatre company has partnered with a talented young Exeter writer and performer to stage its first-ever pantomime celebrating neurodiverse creativity.

Seventeen-year-old Nyx Stevenson, an emerging playwright and member of Ambitious Performers, a neurodiverse ensemble run by East Devon-based Four of Swords, has written and will star in Goldilocks in the Underworld, a bold reworking of the classic fairy tale.

Nyx was diagnosed as neurodiverse three years ago after leaving mainstream education in Year 9. Since then, they have been supported through an Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) package that includes dedicated one-to-one drama tuition.

“School was really challenging because I struggled to learn in a neurotypical environment. It left me extremely burnt out because I struggle with social anxiety, difficulty processing things and sensory overwhelm,” Nyx said.

“Being diagnosed as neurodiverse has helped me realise and explain to others why I find things so challenging and overwhelming. Pursuing drama has allowed me to thrive and become interested in script writing as well as acting.”

Nyx has already performed at events including the Devon County Show, the Oxford Storytelling Festival, and Four of Swords’ immersive summer schools. They say theatre has offered a route back to confidence and wellbeing: “It has given me different ways to engage and to be productive and positive, keeping me happy and healthy. Now I don’t have the pressure of expectations I am unable to cope with.”

Four of Swords, known for inventive interpretations of Faustus and Jekyll and Hyde, will bring Nyx’s script to life this Christmas at Exeter’s Cygnet Theatre.

Explaining the twist audiences can expect, Nyx said: “The characters in it are based on figures from mythologies such as Greek, Egyptian, Norse and Celtic.

“Goldilocks in my version is more cunning. She goes on an adventure and meets a lot of characters with volatile personalities.

“Most characters are played by neurodiverse adult performers, supported by Four of Swords actors in the cast.”

Described as a “riotous yet heartfelt alternative panto featuring surreal songs, twisted tropes and chaotic comedy,” the production is supported by Cygnet Theatre and will run for two nights only on 11 and 12 December at 7pm.

Despite experiencing social anxiety, Nyx says performing offers a rare sense of ease: “I’m fine on stage playing a character; I can go through an entire play and not be nervous or anxious, but the moment I talk to people as myself that’s when I struggle.”

They hope this debut will be the first step toward a long-term creative career. “I would love to be a writer and performer because it’s something I’ve wanted to do my entire life.

“I would love people to come and see my pantomime because it’s very fun while also being about community, celebrating difference and is not what you would expect from your traditional Christmas panto.”

Goldilocks in the Underworld is suitable for ages 12+ and tickets (£15) are available via the Cygnet Theatre website.