It took Alison Larkin more than 50 years to find her soulmate and fall in love for the first time: and then he died. Grief… A Comedy is her response; a show that, remarkably, Archbishop Desmond Tutu told her to write. Larkin is an engaging performer and her multi-slash career as a stand-up, recorder of audio books and writer help her drop seamlessly into each character she portrays. Confident and relaxed, she’s not afraid to address the audience directly, generating a great deal of warmth as she does so. 

But the problem with a life well-lived is choosing what bits to put into your biography. Larkin’s selections hinder the structure of the show which isn’t really about grief: rather it’s about finding love rather than losing it. A tighter frame with less exposition would perhaps uncover a greater emotional depth, bringing the audience on an emotional journey that they’d be more than willing to undertake. 

Alison Larkin: Grief... A Comedy, Assembly George Square Studios, until 25 August, 2.10pm; main picture: Steve Ullathorne.