Telethon Kid

Turns out a rare degenerative disease is just what you need to live a little #itsgivingblessed

Sam’s adoring subscribers would describe him as an icon, and Instagram’s honey of disability pride. Sam would describe himself as having one foot in the grave, the other in the bed of his latest hook up—turns out a rare degenerative disease is just what you need to live a little #itsgivingblessed

After rising to fame as the poster child of Perth Children’s Hospital 2007 Telethon, Sam reunites alongside his paediatric doctor-come-lover when they are nominated for a coveted research grant from big pharma. In a sexy ethical nightmare, the influencer's platform probes the shortcomings of an industry that repeatedly fights those whom it’s meant to help.

Comedian, thought leader, and disabled ingenue Alistair Baldwin’s debut comedy starring Ashley Apap, Max Brown(Nosferatu), Effie Nkrumah and William Rees, and directed by Besen Family Artist Program 2020 alumni Hannah Fallowfield gleefully straddles the ambiguities of doctor-patient relationships and agency for self-expression.

"Wades into complex waters with verve and humour"
— Australian Arts Review

"Telethon Kid is one of 2023’s most interesting productions"
— Lilithia Reviews

"With its intelligent insights and well crafted humour, this play warmly invites audiences to think about lived experiences and ethical matters most of us have probably barely considered before"
— Limelight

"Funny precisely where it is dark and provocative"
— The Guardian

"Careens from funny to uncomfortable to revealing"
— The Age

"Superbly written, brilliantly performed"
— The Blurb