This Review is from August 2026

I’ve had a great Fringe 2026. Apart from the usual grievances from comedians about their star ratings, I’ve only received two genuine complaints. The first is that I haven’t reviewed enough shows featuring straight white men. This wasn’t a conscious decision; it has just worked out that way. The second is that I haven’t covered any improv. This was a deliberate choice as I hate improv. So, for one of my final shows of the Fringe, I’ve chosen to see an improv show featuring a male double act, Grace and Gracey, one half of which is probably heterosexual (I don’t actually know, I haven’t asked).

Chris Grace opens the show, offering his improv credentials. Almost twenty-five years as an improvisor, with parts in big hit improv shows, like Shamilton and Baby Wants Candy.

Jon Gracey says, “I did one class in 2011”

What follows is actually quite rare. The entire audience gets to watch a nervous, but keen, occasionally terrified comedian learn improv skills in real time.

Chris teaches Jon the improv principles of, “yes, and…” In improv, agreement moves the scene forward, but the size of the “yes, and…” is important.

“Hi my name is Tony”

“Yes, and we are on the moon”

This is too large a “yes, and…”

Chris talks about Chicago based improvisers TJ and Dave, who take very small “yes, and…” steps. Jon sings Let’s Get Ready to Rumble by PJ and Duncan.

Further principles of improv are explored and demonstrated. Listening, use of space, making active choices, “without being AGGRESSIVE Jon”.

A lovely, informative and fun time. In the end one judges a comedy show on how much one laughs – and we all laughed a lot. Chris Grace is an assured and very funny performer, as well as a patient teacher. And Jon Gracey is a much better improviser than he thinks he is. The audience were rooting for him to succeed, and, as unlikely as it sounds, he did.

Martin Walker