Words: Berlyn Lee 

4 Stars 

We’ve all heard of “big d*ck energy,” now Jon Gracey (Werewolf: Live, Time Boat) has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe with a six step system to achieve “big willy energy.” 

What is Big Willy Energy? It’s a newer, sillier identity for modern masculinity! It’s going for the things you know you probably won’t get, it’s facing the follies of your past in an effort to grow, it’s accepting yourself exactly as you are. Anyone can have big willy energy, even a straight man with a lesbian hair cut who paints his nails. 

At its heart, Jon Gracey: Big Willy Energy is a revealing, funny and heartwarming memoir of Gracey’s life and his journey to find self acceptance. Through storytelling, audience participation, and even ordering a Hawaiian pizza live on stage, Gracey bares it all. For each step in the system, Gracey told a story from his life, involving the audience in games like “what does this Australian slang mean?” and “name all the songs on the album in order.” Not even embarrassing moments from his past, like when he studied as a ‘pick up artist,’ were safe. 

Having just welcomed his first child, a daughter, Gracey now wants to help more people achieve big willy energy. Despite the silly title and flyer photo, Big Willy Energy is more than just laughs. It’s brilliantly written, funny, heartfelt, and inspiring. Gracey is just a joy to watch on stage, one of the friendliest faces at the Fringe. 

Jon Gracey: Big Willy Energy 
Assembly George Square – The Box 
15:45 
17-25 Aug