Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson

At first glance, Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson might look like a light-hearted hour of character comedy from an established voice (Grace stars in no fewer than three shows at this year’s Fringe and will be recognisable to many as Jerry from Superstore). Audiences, though, are likely to find much more in this thoughtful and honest exploration of diversity and representation in popular culture.

While this is not a hit-piece on Johansson, Grace continually insists, her character is used as a jumping-off point for exploring the recurrent issue of straight, white, able-bodied actors playing minoritised roles. As the show’s layers build, it becomes increasingly meta and, at times, absurd, all the while showing off Grace’s skill and confidence as a performer; at points, the audience is temporarily bewildered before gradually being let in on the joke to great success.

There is no preaching here, though. Grace is honest about his own complicated take on the subject and happy to sit in his unresolved feelings, prompting the audience to think about theirs long after the curtain has come down. It’s also, crucially, funny: Grace weaves one-liners in with personal anecdotes, stand-up style routines and physical comedy, pulling all of them off. While there are no easy answers to the questions Grace confronts here, As Scarlett Johansson is a clever and provocative format in which to ask them.