After seeing this show, I drop my phone accidentally in a Fringe venue toilet, then rescue it. I can imagine ultra-skilled American comedian Chris Grace somehow turning the mildly ridiculous, everyday mishap into some quietly profound metaphor for life. A mundane moment re-examined through his wise, witty, gay, Chinese 51-year-old lens that will have his crowd wiping away a stream of sad tears with the collar of their denim jacket or snorting out loud with laughter (both happened during his performance). 

He has a beautiful, tender storytelling style (reminiscent of The New Yorker fiction pages) and dark funny bones from his training with Chicago’s Baby Wants Candy comedy ensemble (he’s performing in their improv musical show upstairs and has also revived last year’s sell-out solo hit, Chris Grace As Scarlet Johannson, for three nights). 

Dressed all in white, he mimes a powerful PowerPoint of imaginary family photos, takes fake audience selfies and leads a camp Rihanna singalong. He controls the crowd like a dumpling-loving, John Goodman-fancying boss; cue the tears, kill the laughter, bring back the poignant smiles again with that Donna Summer bit. Sudden death, illness and dying have never been funnier than in this truly memorable comedy play. 

Chris Grace: Sardines (A Comedy About Death) Assembly George Square Studios, until 26 August, 1.40pm; main picture: Eric Michaud