Gabrielle Leonore shares her life story in this irreverent one-woman comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I have caught up with her before she embarks on the busy month ahead.

What’s your show called for Edinburgh Fringe 2025?

My Life as an “Inspirational Porn” Star

How long have you been doing the Edinburgh Fringe?

This is my first time!

How do you cope with the overwhelming chaos that the Fringe brings?

First things first, I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself. I find that if I am not doing things that are either actively benefiting me or taking things off my to-do list, that’s when the overthinking and existential doom draws near. So to mitigate this, I try to take care of each item of business at a time and stay organized. This is a big opportunity and I want to be sure I put myself in the best position to succeed. I know I have the talent, drive, stamina, to knock Fringe out of the park! As long as I stay grounded and remember my self-care, I know I will be great. I mean I made it this far, right?

What sort of shows will you see if you have time?

I plan on seeing Furniture Boys by Emily Weitzman at Underbelly George Square!

Have you performed at any other Fringe’s? If so, which has been your favourite so far? The only Fringe I have performed in is the Tampa International Fringe Festival. I first made my writing/performing debut with my play (Re)union, a dark comedy about a high school reunion following a school shooting. That piece earned the Social Good Award and was featured at the Tampa Theatre Festival.

At this year’s Tampa Fringe, My Life as an “Inspirational Porn” Star, not only won my second Social Good Award, but also the Social Media Slayer Award! Shout out to the amazing Mitch Sims! My best friend and left brain on this project! Everyone there is such a tight knit group of friends and supportive artists. I highly recommend being a part of it if possible.

What are your plans for the show after the Edinburgh Fringe?

I would love to continue to tour and develop this show further, especially into a memoir, movie, or tv show.

Please feel free to add anything you would like to as well. You know your show better than anyone.

My Life as an “Inspirational Porn” Star has been the accumulation of everything that I have felt over the past thirty years of my life. For too long, I have felt so alone, to the point where I didn’t think I was “special” or that there wasn’t anything truly remarkable about me…besides the fact that I am a low-support autistic woman. What I have learned from this show, and from my women and neurodivergent audience members, is that, in actuality, I am truly not alone. In fact, I have a whole community that supports me and wants to hear my voice. I believe this show brings all walks of life together, and for a single hour we can just be. I am so grateful to be taking this to one of the biggest stages in the world and would love to see you all there.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/my-life-as-an-inspirational-porn-star

https://www.instagram.com/gabbycab13/?hl=en