All this month we are talking to acts that are performing at the Liverpool Improv Festival which takes place between May 7th – 10th. We will be speaking to acts every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30pm on the run up to the festival. Today we speak to Gricers.

Tell us about:

Your latest improv show you are bringing to Liverpool Improv Fest ? 

We are bringing a new show called Gricers to LIF. Its set in the world of the trainspotter and is inspired by Francis Bourgeois’s book The Trainspotters Notebook and Tom Quinn’s Railways’ Strangest Journeys, this show is a bittersweet and profound reflection on male friendship and quiet obsession.

Your favourite suggestion you have been given?

Badger – was a particular highlight as I love them. 

Your favourite venue to perform at:

There are loads. But my absolute favourite is Theatre in the Mill in Bradford. It is intimate and very quirky. For example, you enter the space up a spiral staircase on to the stage. It is unique and the audience are always friendly, knowledgeable and like to laugh. 

Improv hero:

John Thies – he was my first improv director and was brilliant. He was a quiet but kind man. He spotted your tricks and gently moved you towards something more authentic. I didn’t fully appreciate him till he passed away. 

Dream venue to play at:

I have always wanted to play an arena gig and I love the feeling at the M and S Arena in Liverpool. 

Describe the feeling you get when you walk on stage to do a show:

I am very calm. I enjoy walking into the unknown now. I wasn’t always like that. But, through time and repetition I have learned to embrace that scary feeling. 

The hardest improv suggestion to perform and why:

I don’t think there is one as we are free not to select the dodgy ones. But much earlier in my improv journey we would get something gynaecological. 

Essential items you always take with you to a show?

I always take a newspaper, partly to catch up on the news, but also as a prop. 

Describe your fans in three words:

Funny, Clever and Quirky 

What we can look forward to from you this year: 

I have a very busy year with a book coming out in June and a load of dates booked in to teach and direct improv. I love making new stuff with people and it is a privilege to do so. 

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