Jon Gracey is a comedian, games designer and writer best known for his work on No Rolls Barred and The Magnus Archives. He’s also the host for live comedy gaming shows Werewolf: Live and Blood On The Clocktower: Live, as well as the creator behind the critically acclaimed Mega Game Bring Them Home. We caught up with him to find out more about his new stand-up comedy show, Big Willy Energy.
How would you pitch Big Willy Energy to a fan of the movie Free Willy?
You know when we all saw the poster to Free Willy in the UK we laughed, because it had ‘willy’ in the title, and we got to say ‘willy’ loads and no one could tell us off? Big Willy Energy is like that, but for an entire hour. The audience literally says ‘willies’ at multiple points, and it’s delightful. Also this will win an Oscar. Did Free Willy win an Oscar?
And how would you pitch it to someone more familiar with No Rolls Barred?
If you’re into No Rolls Barred, you’re going to love learning about all the embarrassing stories from my life that I reveal! Some would say too many! Also there are multiple games throughout which I play with the audience, AND there’s a whole bit on painting my nails that directly references NRB, so there’s plenty for the casual or more devoted NERB.
How much different is Big Willy Energy from Time Boat?
Unbelievably different. Big Willy Energy is a meticulously crafted, impeccable staged, deeply considered buffet of comedy, storytelling, poignant moments and mediations on life. Time Boat is an improvised show about a boat that goes through time.
What is the appeal of TTRPGs, and why have they become such a comedy staple?
The reason I think live game shows work so well, including BotC: Live, is that they allow for things to happen in the moment, which you can plan for in a general sense, but never predict in the specific. It’s funny people getting together and telling a story together in the room. Which is what live comedy is best at! Having something unique that no one else has seen, that only happened in that exact way that one time. That’s what live comedy is great at, and that’s what TTRPGs excel at. Put them together? Boom.
How do you keep your improv shows so fresh? Blood on the Clock Tower always seems to surprise?
It’s really nice having a rule structure that allows for regimented chaos. That gives the players somewhere to go while giving them boundaries to stay within. Also, if you get really good guests they’ll make hay out of anything, so we make sure we pick our faves to ensure maximum comedy. To briefly toot my own horn, I’ve done many, many shows by now and am pretty good at keeping things moving and getting the most out of my guests. It would be weird if I wasn’t, at this stage.
Is it easier to get guests for Blood on the Clock Tower now than it was when you started?
A little, but the game is so popular and good that it was pretty easy from day one. We also spent years and years building up our comedy network with Werewolf: Live, which made it very easy to move players over to the new show – they trusted us, and knew it would be good. We have many years in the comedy mines to thank for the ease at which we can get guests now!
What’s the zaniest thing you’ve done to get Big Willy on the stage?
Ah man, that would be the ending. I can’t spoil it though. You really have to see it to believe it. But it’s memorable, I’ll tell you that.
Why the Edinburgh Fringe?
It’s still the most amazing place to meet and connect with other incredible artists. For example we met Chris Grace, who’s a great friend, has done Clocktower loads, who I did Grace & Gracey with last year (an amazing improv show) and who is directing Big Willy Energy, is only in my live because Grubby Little Mitts (Rosie & Sullivan, who I was directing at the time) shared a dressing room with him. There’s all the business and career reasons to go to Edinburgh, but for me, it’s meeting amazing people like that who otherwise I simply wouldn’t know and seeing what cool shit you can make together.
What advice would you give to anyone coming to see shows this year who’s never been to the fringe before?
Stay longer than you think! It’s huge and overwhelming and you’ll always run out of time. That said, it’s crazy expensive so make sure you pace yourself. Bring your own food to save money, go to see free shows (but be aware, they’ll expect you to pay a bit) and take a chance on something weird. Those will always be the fringe memories you treasure the most, a tiny room with someone doing something absolutely unhinged that only you and 3 other people saw. That’s where the magic is.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
The ending. Oh boy it’s the ending. I also get an audience member up to do something very intimate (not sex) which is fast becoming my second favourite moment. It’s a very tender and personal show, and I’m so glad I get to share that with people.
Where else can we see you?
So we’ve got Big Willy Energy – 3:45pm every day at Assembly The Box
Then there’s Time Boat, 1pm every day from 13th onwards, 42 Below, Free Fringe
THEN there’s Blood On The Clocktower: Live, 10pm from 12th onwards, Jersey room, Underbelly
THEN!!! I’m doing all three Call of Cthulhu shows on 21st, 22nd and 23rd August with an amazing cast at the National Library of Scotland! This will be RAD.
What’s next?
In November you can catch me and many others at our Blood On The Clocktower convention Clockers Con in London! 1st & 2nd November – come play BotC with me and many of your NRB and TPI faves!
We’re also doing our third huge Christmas Event Christmas On the Clocktower, but those tickets aren’t on sale yet…you’ll have to sign up to my mailing list to hear about that…
Dungeons or Dragons?
Dungeons, baybeee. Love the mystery.
Magic or Mayhem?
Porque no los dos. But magic, of course. Think of all the mayhem you could cause!!
Truth or Beauty?
Ahhhh I guess truth, but beauty is great. But truth is beautiful! Yeah, it’s gotta be truth, but only because it’s hot.
You can book tickets for Big Willy Energy here.
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