Grace Petrie might not be a stand-up comedian by trade, but by the end of her show at Komedia Brighton, it was clear she could easily be one. Her new show, This Is No Time To Panic!, features the folk & protest song singer-songwriter finally trying her hand at comedy and let me tell you, the results are hilarious.
Read more – Grace Petrie: “Escapism Won’t Save Us”
From the moment she steps on stage, Grace demonstrates her effortless ability to combine incisive political commentary with sharp humour. She is both funny and profound; the show covers everything from Donald Trump and Palestine to awkward family wedding conversations and Married At First Sight Australia. Brighton really was the perfect audience for her wit with people laughing and interacting throughout, fully part of the performance. This is not a show for the easily offended, but for anyone who enjoys comedy with both bite and heart.
Grace’s songwriting and vocals remain as strong as ever. Some moments almost made me cry, while others had me cackling uncontrollably. She seamlessly and very naturally switches between music and comedy, and it works beautifully. Fans of her folk performances will recognise her warmth which is only enhanced by a fresh comedic edge.
Komedia’s intimate setting really added to the experience, complimenting Grace’s style. Sitting around tables with drinks and food made it almost feel like a communal evening: us laughing together at Grace’s observations, groaning along with the punchlines, conversing with her and cheering after each song.
Supporting Grace was poet Molly Naylor, whose set was sharp, funny and clearly resonated with the crowd. She provided the perfect warm-up, really setting the specific tone that carried throughout the evening: both thought-provoking and joyfully entertaining.
By the end of the show, despite Grace admitting to her struggles with finding, feeling and providing hope, I did leave feeling optimistic. Not necessarily about the state of the world, but about people like Grace Petrie. Yes – her bravery, wit, and unafraid in calling out injustice are inspiring, but most of all, her ability to bring people together was what renewed a light in me.
This Is No Time To Panic! is more than a show; it is a reminder of the power of community. If you have the chance to see Grace Petrie on tour, do yourself a favour and go. You will leave laughing, thinking and quietly hopeful in the best possible way.
Grace Petrie: Website
