Tides, Upstairs at the Gatehouse Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Dylan Ward’s story, as portrayed by Joe Dennis in Tides, is nothing short of brilliant. From the moment Dennis, embodying the semi-autobiographical character of Dylan, meticulously arranges a mixture of DC and Warner Brothers figurines on the stage, we are drawn into a world of precision, clarity, and deep emotion that only someone with first hand experience of autism could convey so faithfully. This simple act of organising toys, though seemingly small, sets the tone for an intimate and profoundly impactful performance.
Dennis’ performance is powerful and profound, capturing the complexities of living with autism with both heart and humour. Dylan’s heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli—his intense reactions to sounds, lights, emotions and smells—are not just portrayed, but felt, resonating deeply with the audience. His struggles with communication, which often lead to explosive outbursts, are presented not as flaws, but as natural responses from a mind that experiences the world on a different frequency. It is not an experience that will be felt by all Neurodivergent individuals but reflects Dylan's personal experiences. Yet, amidst these challenges, Dylan’s imagination shines as his ‘superpower’, a testament to the incredible creativity that often accompanies neurodivergence. Although I disagree with the thought of any neurotype as having a “super power” it is clearly what Dylan clings to as a way to remind himself how he has value and strengths in this very challenging world with the deck stacked so high against him.
What truly elevates Tides is its unflinching honesty. Yes, Dylan’s life is filled with recurrent misunderstandings—teachers who dismiss him or outright bully him, peers who don’t quite get him, and colleagues who misinterpret his intentions. However, it’s also filled with moments of brilliance, like the first gained on his creative writing degree through sheer determined talent. Dylan subtly discusses the idea of masking and his difficulties understanding nuance but feeling desperate to be kind to others as that’s the only “fair” way to live. Dennis deftly navigates these highs and lows, never allowing the narrative to descend into self-pity. Instead, he invites us to question whether the problem lies with Dylan’s outlook on life or with a society that too often fails to understand, accommodate or celebrate those who think and feel differently.
The show is packed with humour, expertly woven in by director Will Sutherland, and Dennis’ stage presence is nothing short of mesmerizing. The use of pre-recorded audio clips—voices from Dylan’s past and present—adds depth and a sense of realism to the performance, making the audience feel as though they are right there with him, experiencing every triumph, heartbreak, embarrassment and setback.
Tides is a masterclass in storytelling, a deeply personal narrative that truly resonates. It’s not just a window into the world of autism; it’s a powerful reminder of the strength and humanity that lies within all of us. This is the kind of story which theatre is all about; opening a door into a different world and encouraging empathy and kindness in understanding the rules people follow no matter how confusing or contradictory they may appear to those who are outside that mould. This play is an excellent addition to the Camden Fringe and truly engaging throughout. If you enjoy profound theatre that will make you think outside the box and enjoy powerful expressions of self-acceptance no matter what the world throws at you, or if you are part of the 700,000 strong UK neurodivergent community and want to see someone else discuss their challenges and joys within the real world then I recommend this show to you.
★ ★ ★ ★
