Interview: Winter Is Coming! Comedian Ali Brice Discusses Bringing GRAEME OF THRONES to the Windy City

'Winter is coming' a little early this year. Graeme of Thrones, West End's hilarious parody of George R.R. Martin's smash-hit series, arrives in Chicago for a run that's as short as the lives of many characters on Game of Thrones.

From November 1-13, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place transforms into the Seven Kingdoms. The comedic 'play within a play' chronicles an ambitious fantasy nerd's stab at recreating Martin's famous saga. In an exclusive Broadway World interview, actor and comedian Ali Brice discusses touring the world, bringing TV's most iconic characters to the stage, and what he might say to MR. Martin himself:

Chicago is already decked out with posters for the show and it's catching the eyes of Game of Thrones fans across the city. What can fans (or audiences members who aren't familiar with the series) expect?
Graeme of Thrones centers around a super-fan who wants to come up with a new and improved version of the series. He puts this whole show together and thinks it's completely brilliant. In reality, we end up with this absolutely horrible, low-budget production created out of love. You definitely don't have to be a fan to enjoy Graeme of Thrones because it's whacky and hilarious, but fans will get a kick out of the homage we pay the show. We're parodying this series out of pure passion.

Do you watch the show or read the books? If so, what's it like to put yourself in this world?
Oh, I'm a huge fan of the TV series (but haven't read the books yet). Doing this play has been a dream come true. I'm touring the world in a comedy show, having a blast, and people are giving us great feedback. Couldn't ask for more. Sometimes I think we have an advantage because audiences walk into the theater knowing what things are--knowing these characters and this world--but not quite knowing what they're going to get. That's what makes it so fun.

Can you tell us a bit about your character?
Graeme is, of course, a huge Game of Thrones nerd but he's very unaware of himself. He wants to be the biggest director in the world and he dreams of making this amazing show that will rival HBO's series. In the midst of all of this, he's trying to impress a girl he likes as well. I share the stage with two other talented performers--there's just three of us--and we're playing these three completely lovable idiots.

Can you hint at what familiar faces we might be seeing in this show?
You'll see an iconic bunch: Joffrey, Jon Snow, Khal Drogo, Tyrion...there's even a white walker!

Do you have a favorite character?
I love playing Sir Jorah and Ned Stark in the show. My favorites in the TV series are Tyrion, Varys and Bolton. They're all radically different but fascinating to watch.

Graeme of Thrones originally premiered in West End and has gone on to tour the UK, Australia and now the US. You've been with the production the entire way. What has journey been like?
This time last year, I was working in an office at a software company. I was going to auditions on the side and then I got offered this gig. It's been a year, I've been to some amazing places, and there's more tour ahead. It's literally a dream come true. I just keep pinching myself.

Something I've enjoyed is experiencing the way different audiences laugh in different places of the show. I've also enjoyed experiencing unique destinations and finding some great food along the way. Chicago is going to be an adventure--I've never been--and I'm going to grab a big slice of deep dish pizza.

How did you get into comedy? Was it always an interest?
Always, always. I was the class clown in grade school and one of my friends once said, "are you going to be a comedian when you're older?" I thought,"yeah, maybe I will." I would watch a comedy sketch show with my dad growing up and I was drawn to it from a young age. I think comedy is just an innate thing inside of me. My philosophy is you've gotta have fun, you've gotta make people laugh and you can't worry to much.

However, it wasn't until I was older that I really pursued comedy. I moved to London in 2009 and did Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year. I became completely nerdy about comedy. I love watching stand-up comedians and witnessing how each individual makes people laugh in their own way. There are no two comedians who are exactly the same.

Comedy is my passion and making people laugh is one of the best feelings in the world. I'll be doing it for the rest of my life, money or not.

Last but not least, if you could say one thing--or ask one question--to Game of Thrones author and creator George R.R. Martin, what would it be?
"Tell me how it ends! I won't tell anyone, I promise!"
Also,"Come see my show! I'll give you free tickets."

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Hold the door! Graeme of Thrones plays the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place from November 1-13, 2016. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for ticket information.

Photo Credit: Paul Wilkinson

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