Alison Larkin’s hit solo show Grief… A Comedy was filmed in front of a live audience for an upcoming special.
"This is truly a show that could change your outlook on life."
Entertainment Now
"Leaves you believing joy really can be found after loss."
Daily Mail
The Story Behind the Story
After assuming love was something that had passed her by, Alison Larkin found true love in her 50’s, with Bhima, a brilliant, funny scientist from South India.
Their relationship was filled with laughter, love and butterflies-in-stomach romance.
When Bhima died unexpectedly, Alison faced the unimaginable loss of the person she had waited a lifetime to find.
Encouraged by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who told Alison her story “will bring hope to a world that badly needs it”, she transformed the experience into Grief… A Comedy – first a hit live show, then an award-winning book, now a TV special.
Sneak Peek
"Hugely entertaining… marvelously light-footed."
THE TIMES
Grief... A Comedy
Written and performed by Alison Larkin
Directed by Scott Floyd Lochmus
Music by Emmy Award-winning composer Gary Schreiner
Filmed live at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
"Real butterflies-in-stomach romance... a gorgeous love story!"
FEST MAGAZINE
"Engaging ... deliciously comic."
THE EVENING STANDARD
Featured Press
From major publications, broadcasters and entertainment outlets.
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From Stage to Screen
An acclaimed live show, now captured for the screen.
U.S. PREVIEW PERFORMANCES
The show was developed and previewed for U.S. audiences.
SOHO THEATRE — LONDON
Preview performances.
EDINBURGH FRINGE
World Premiere
SOHO THEATRE — LONDON
Return engagement following its world premiere.
MAHAIWE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER — GREAT BARRINGTON, MA
Filmed before a live audience for the television special.
THE FILMED SPECIAL
Critical Acclaim
The Times (UK)
“Hugely entertaining… marvelously light-footed.”
Daily Mail (UK)
“A theatrical miracle – leaves you believing that joy really can be found after grief.”
Broadway Baby
“Engaging and beautiful, a tale of love not loss. An uplifting and affirming experience.”
One4Review
“Improbably funny yet deeply moving…an unforgettable theatrical experience.”
Scottish Field
“Subtle, witty, outstandingly uplifting…hilarious…akin to Victoria Wood. It is great performance from Alison Larkin.”
Entertainment Now
“An exquisite piece… beautiful and moving…This is truly a show that could change your outlook on life.”
Luxe Bible
“At the end of this one woman show you might just look at your own life differently…stunning quality.”
What Audiences are Saying
“I laughed, I cried, and I left feeling uplifted.”
“A beautiful celebration of love and life.”
“The funniest and most moving story about loss and hope.”
Also Featured In
Show Stills
Audio Interviews
Hear Alison Larkin discuss the story behind Grief… A Comedy and the unexpected relationship between grief and laughter.
BBC Radio 4 — Woman’s Hour
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BBC Radio 4 — Loose Ends
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BBC Sunday Morning with Connie McLaughlin
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BBC Radio Berkshire
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The Podcast Corner The Edinburgh Fringe Show
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WAMC NPR The Roundtable
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Times Radio Catch Up with Alexis Conran
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About Alison Larkin
Alison Larkin was adopted and raised in England and Africa. After finding her birth parents in the United States, she moved to New York and built a career as a stand-up comedian. Her first solo show about the experience led to three years under Hollywood studio development to star in her own sitcom and her bestselling autobiographical novel, The English American.
She is the award-winning narrator of over 280 audiobooks, including the #1 bestselling Jane Austen audiobook in the world, The Complete Novels of Jane Austen and Wuthering Heights, and the founder of Alison Larkin Presents, an award-winning audiobook company based in the Berkshires. As an actress, she has appeared on and Off-Broadway, and her voice can be heard in Grand Theft Auto 5, the film Fargo, The Wonder Pets, and countless other productions.
Her hit solo show Grief… A Comedy was filmed as a TV Special in June 2026, directed by Scott Floyd Lochmus (Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn.) Her follow-up book of the same name has received rave reviews and was an International Book Award finalist. Her narration of the audiobook won her a Gold Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Alison Larkin — Press Photos
Photographs provided for press and media purposes may not be used to endorse a product other than Alison Larkin’s books, show, or services. They may not be altered in any way without permission.
Photo Credit: Ray Burmiston
Grief... A Comedy — The Book
Although Grief… A Comedy has only been partially released, it was selected as an International Book Award finalist. The audiobook read by Alison Larkin won the Independent Publisher Book Award, gold medal, for best audiobook and was a SOVAS awards finalist for best audiobook narrated by the author alongside Matthew McConaughey.
This story begins six weeks after Bhima died, when he showed up at Alison’s kitchen table determined to help her find love again.
It’s imaginary of course. Or is it?