Why Am I (Still) Like This?

Theatre (neurodiversity-led, storytelling)

  • theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall - Stephenson Theatre
  • 18:10
  • Aug 24
  • 45 minutes
  • Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
  • Country: United Kingdom - Scotland
  • Group: Nicole Nadler / High Heels and Heavy Suitcases Productions
  • Warnings and additional info: Strong language/swearing, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Audience participation
  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

Description

Meet Nicole: Hyperverbal, chaotic and a little dramatic with deep self loathing and crippling self esteem issues, she thought she was a complete disaster, until she found out she had ADHD. Three years later she impulsively wrote and performed her first one woman show in 2023 about discovering her ADHD at 30, Why Am I Like This? Bracing herself for failure, the opposite happened: everyone loved the show (and her?!) So why is it so hard to believe? Why is she so empty? Now there's a new question: Why Am I (Still) Like This?

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Via a door from street level and a lift.
  • Wheelchair access type: Temporary Ramp, Lift (Building Lift)

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Craig Walker 13 days ago

I am pleased to have been able to see both of Nicole’s excellent shows. Nicole is a very charismatic performer who engages the audience throughout her work; this helps to give voice and impact to the always honest and frequently hilarious Why Am I Still Like This?

I’d highly recommend seeing this show, or whatever Nicole does next.

Tracey Anderson 16 days ago

A wonderful piece of one woman activity, involving comedy and witty anecdotes about the journey of being diagnosed with Adhd as a female adult. It's wonderfully written and must see for the end of Edinburgh festival. 5 stars.

Gosia 17 days ago

Great show which gives you insight how it is to have adhd. It helped me to understand my friends who have adhd better and hopefully to be able to be more supportive. Thank you for the show.

Jenny W 18 days ago

Another great story telling performance. It feels like she has come such a long way in her personal journey since last year’s show -yet still has that aching, doubting voice and a vulnerability anyone with ADHD will recognise. I didn’t cry as much at this years show but yes, she is (still) engaging, captivating, funny, honest, real …and brilliant. Well done Nicole

Sofia 19 days ago

I saw myself in this show. It was a great experience. I loved it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A K 19 days ago

Perfectly unbalanced cocktail of eye watering humour and gut squeezing stories that give no second to take a pause and rest until the very end. Entertaining and eye opening even for those who cannot relate to being neurotypical, however many real life strugles are shared by all of us. Clearly with different intensity. ;) Thank you Nicole for inviting and guiding on this rollercoster of emotions, which gave a glimpse of life impossible to experience otherwise. Strongly recomend to everyone, regardless having ADHD or not. As long as one has a bit of empathy, will not be the same person after experiencing Nicole’s performance. It was great!

Siobhan OConnor 20 days ago

Such an honest, heartbreaking and funny show! Nicole is an incredible performer and it made me feel so seen!

Sarah Lewis 20 days ago

This SHOW!!! Oh my god. Nicole has truly mastered the dramatic+comedy form of storytelling. Her one woman show about navigating life as a late diagnosed woman with ADHD truly felt like watching bits of my own life play out on a stage. I laughed, I cried, and I got far too introspective for my liking. I cannot recommend this show enough, if you have a chance to see it, do it.

Cornelia 21 days ago

**Raw and Moving Performance by Nicole**

Nicole’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. She captivated the audience from start to finish, delivering a raw and emotionally charged portrayal that felt deeply personal and genuine. Every word, every movement, seemed to come from a place of real vulnerability, pulling us into her character's world in a way that was both powerful and intimate.

What stood out the most was Nicole's ability to convey a wide range of emotions with subtlety and grace. Her (albeit brief) moments of silence spoke as loudly as her dialogue, leaving space for the audience to absorb the weight of the scene. It’s rare to witness a performance that feels so unfiltered, so real, and Nicole did just that — she didn't merely act, she lived the role.

Her presence on stage was magnetic, commanding attention even in the quieter moments. It was clear that Nicole had poured her heart into this role, and the result was a deeply moving experience that will stay with me long after the final curtain.

Thank you for you, and the realistic light you shine on ADHD.

Emelie Fitness 22 days ago

Powerful and poignant - Nicole invites the audience into her mind and you leave with a new perspective.

Laura Mears-Reynolds 25 days ago

Even better than last year’s! This show is the most hilarious, heartbreaking, iluminating and validating show about ADHD I have seen. Nicole’s story and the way she tells it provides all of the feels, with a hopeful conclusion, inviting us all to self reflect, dig deep and strive for a better future. With nostalgia and relatability for all, whatever your neurotype; if you can only see one show this Fringe, it has to be this one, as it truly does have it all!
I’m giving a 5 million star review for this absolute powerhouse’s late ADHD rollercoaster ride! *standing ovation*

jennifer CHave 31 days ago

Nicole’s show was amazing. I laughed and cried (in a good way) at her honest and thought provoking journey. She was showing what everybody wants , just to be accepted for who they are , telling all my friends, well done Nicole!

James Richard Anite 31 days ago

Nicole took us on a rollercoaster ride, telling her story and sharing her struggles, not as a character but as herself. This display of vulnerability and the bravery and courage it takes to do so is commendable. Introspective is the word I’d use to describe this piece. I found myself comparing my struggles with hers and I found some similarities as someone who deals with attention disorder. We all deal with some form of self-loathing. But I think it’s important to remind ourselves that our imperfections don’t mean we are inadequate; far from it actually, we are human. Thank you Nicole.

Gill C 32 days ago

Nicole's show is outstanding. I was lucky enough to catch her previous show at last years Fringe and this year, somehow, it's even better!

As a late diagnosed woman with ADHD I found Nicole's storytelling about her own journey brave and inspiring and both emotional and funny at regular intervals. The lady I sat next to was blubbing away then wiping away tears of laughter all in equal measure - and she wasn't alone!

Nicole is an amazing performer and I urge anyone to go see her show and find out more about her neurodivergence. If you don't have ADHD I'll bet you my house you know someone who does!!

Andrew Rodgers 34 days ago

This is the best show I've seen at The Fringe this year. Although this is very much about Nicole's ADHD experience it is very informative for anyone, nuerodivergent or not, coming to the show.

Kerry Ramsay 35 days ago

A clever, well written script that’s accurate and relatable on so many levels. Nicole captures the highs and lows that come with being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Her vulnerability and emotional portrayal of what it’s like to struggle but also celebrate neurodivergence is perfectly balanced. A high energy performance that’s emotional, hilarious, and empowering in equal measures.


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Edinburgh Guide (4/5 stars) 24 days ago

Nadler is funny, empathetic and charming: as an audience member you want to give her a (virtual) hug for the experiences she has lived through and her mastery in creating this humorous, witty and ultimately triumphant piece. You would do well to bring a tissue (or two) with you as, even despite yourself, the raw honesty will bring you into the world of Nadler and leave you coming out the other side, emotional but somehow refreshed, and hopeful about the future.

Read the full review

A Youngish Perspective (4/5 stars) 31 days ago

Raw emotion meets comedic brilliance in this unflinching exploration of ADHD

Read the full review

The Nerd Party (4/5 stars) 32 days ago

The validation and love she received from her audience is a testament to the importance of representation and openness.

Read the full review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.