The English-American writer/comedian returns to the UK with the world premiere of this ‘improbably funny, life-affirming, bright bauble of a piece’ about love, loss and hope (Berkshire Eagle). Alison found true love for the first time in her 50s with an Indian climate scientist who had also immigrated to the US. Then he died. Then something wildly unexpected happened. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu found out about it, he insisted she write this show. So if you don’t like it, you can blame him.
Q&A with Alison Larkin
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I’ve lived in America for over half my life and returning to the Edinburgh Fringe feels like coming home. Recently I’ve been mostly working on my own, narrating audiobooks in my home studio in the tiny town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I’m SO looking forward to performing for live audiences again and hanging out with my fellow performers in the most vibrant creative environment in the world.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
I found true love for the first time in my 50’s – the real thing – with an Indian climate scientist who had also immigrated to the US. A few days after we decided to marry, he died. Then something even more surprising 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. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu found out about it, he insisted I return to comedy and tell this story as widely as possible ‘because’, he said ‘it will bring hope.’ So I did.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
We did five final US previews last month and the shows sold out. No one could get a ticket. It was extraordinary. People of all different ages and backgrounds came and told all their friends and some even came twice. After the shows, people told me they laughed, cried and left with a big smile on their face, feeling much better than before. So I think audiences will be affected by it quite deeply and in a good way.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
As well as previewing and re-working the show, I’ve been finishing edits on my book of the same name and climbing mountains most days to get in strong physical shape. Doing this particular show every day for a month will demand a lot of me both physically and emotionally, so I’m pacing myself in the run up to it and trying not sweat the small stuff.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the festival?
For sure. I can’t wait to meet other performers and see their shows. I’m equally excited to be exploring the beautiful city of Edinburgh every day for a month. And whenever I need a moment away from the
activity to think and breathe, I’ll be heading up Arthur’s Seat to do just that.
Alison Larkin: Grief… A Comedy is at Assembly George Square Studio 2 until 25 August
