August 30, 2024
Alison Larkin – Giref a Comedy is coming to Harrogate Theatre on TUE 08 OCT as part of Harrogate Comedy Festival. Read all about the upcoming show in her interview below…
Can you tell us a little bit about the show in your own words?
It’s about finding true love later in life. It’s also funny. People laugh and cry and come out feeling uplifted and full of hope.
After a lifetime avoiding love, I found the real thing for the first time in my fifties, with a brilliant, charming Indian scientist who had also immigrated to America thirty years before. For both of us it was like wearing a shoe that’s too tight for your entire life and then finally taking it off.
Five days after we decided to marry, he suddenly died. Then something even more extraordinary happened. Instead of wanting to hide under the bed and never come out again, I found I wanted to live – and love – more fully than ever. What was that? Archbishop Desmond Tutu knew me and my work and when he found out what happened, he insisted I return to comedy to tell this story as widely as possible because, he said, ‘It will bring hope.” So I did.
Bringing your show directly from Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year, are you excited to take the show on tour?
Yes! Very! The audience response in Edinburgh has been so incredible, with one woman coming three times, I truly can’t wait to bring the show to wider audience. Plus, it means I get to spend time in England again. I was adopted and raised by English parents. Then, when I was 25, I found my birth mother in Tennessee, moved to New York and became a stand-up comic, because what else do you do? Way led on to way – I wrote an autobiographical one woman show called The English American, which evolved into a bestselling novel of the same name and suddenly – boom – I’ve lived in the US for over 30 years. This tour is bringing me back to the UK and I couldn’t be happier.
Your show tackles the topic of loss, how do you blend this sensitive subject into a comedic performance?
As all the critics are saying, this is actually an “tale of love, not loss.” (Broadway Baby.) Honestly, on the sensitive subject of loss, after someone dies, I believe the love remains. I also think that when someone we love very deeply dies, a part of who they were becomes a part of who we are now, and that our relationship shifts, but continues with people who are no longer with us physically. This is something I touch on in the show and explore in more depth in my book, which I’ve just finished writing. The book is also called Grief … A Comedy, but it starts where the play ends, a few weeks after Bhima died, when he showed upat my kitchen table, determined to help me find love again. It’s an imaginary story. Or is it? For now, the book is only available for exclusive purchase by audience members immediately after a live performance.
The show features original music by Emmy Award-winning composer Gary Schreiner, who has worked with artists such as Elton John and Yoko Ono. How did this collaboration come about and why was it important for music to play a key role in the show?
Gary wrote the music for The English American, my first show, and we’re friends and completely in sync creatively. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu told me to write this show, my first thought was ‘Well, it’s going to be a lot of work, so if I’m going to do it, what do I really want to say?” What I really wanted to say first came to me as a snatch of a tune, so I called Gary and said “If I write the lyrics, will you write a few short songs and some music to add to the show?” And he said “Yes.”
Finally, and most importantly, why should audiences come and see Grief… A Comedy at Harrogate Theatre?
Because every person who has seen the show so far says they feel inspired, moved, uplifted and so much better than before. Plus it’s really funny! Here’s what the critics are saying that will answer your question.
“An exquisite piece… beautiful and moving…This is truly a show that could change your outlook on life.”
Entertainment Now * * * * *
“At the end of this one woman show you might just look at your own life differently…stunning quality.”
Must See Shows Luxebible * * * * *
“Improbably funny yet deeply moving…an unforgettable theatrical experience.”
One4Review * * * * *
“Atheatrical miracle – leaves you believing that joy really can be found after grief.”
Daily Mail * * * *
“Subtle, witty, outstandingly uplifting…hilarious…akin to the combination of Rory Bremner and Victoria Wood. It is great performance from Alison Larkin.”
Scottish Field * * * *
“Engaging and beautiful, a tale of love not loss. An uplifting and affirming experience.”
Broadway Baby * * *
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