An autistic woman is preparing for the performance of a lifetime as “a customer who would like something slightly different from the menu”.

Pippa Durham, 31, visits her local cafe every Saturday for a tea and an almond croissant. She first fancied a cappuccino nearly three months ago and is reportedly almost ready to try asking for it.

“The first thing to consider was motivation,” Durham told us, in between vocal warm-ups. “What really makes someone want a cappuccino? And then, how do I portray that physically? What should my voice be doing? How do I arrange my face? Come to think of it, I had those questions well before the cappuccino.”

Durham explained that once the characterisation is finalised, her next step is the script. “I’ve got to be word perfect, so I’ve been running over my lines for weeks,” she said, stretching out her hamstrings. “I’ve been practising everywhere: in the shower, pacing up and down in my hallway, but mostly while lying awake at 3am.”

“Last time I tried ordering a new drink I asked for a ‘clack boffee’ and had to move house.”

If opening night gets rave reviews, how does Durham hope to capitalise on her success? “Well, one day, I think I might quite like a custard danish.”

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