Grayson Perry and the Art of Being “Good-ish”

I had the most wholesome day with Val, my glorious Pal. 

We went for a hurl in the bus to Glasgow to see the wonderful Sir Grayson Perry, live on his Are You Good? national tour.

Val my Glorious Pal!

Our shared love for Grayson Perry began about four years ago, during mask wearing Covid times, with his show A Show For Normal People. Since then, we've followed his work, wandered through his exhibitions, and even cheered on his wonderful wife Philippa Perry during her book tours. You could say we are proud members of the Perry Family Appreciation Club™

Grayson Perry Smash Hits exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh (2023)

Are You Good? dives headfirst into that timeless, quietly uncomfortable question: are we truly as virtuous as we think we are? In true Grayson fashion, he delivered a performance that was equal parts hilarious, thought-provoking, and disarmingly honest. The whole night felt like watching a beautifully crafted mirror being gently held up to the audience - inviting us to look a little closer at ourselves.

Our bus chat back home centred around Grayson’s closing remarks about aspiring to be “good-ish”. It was reminiscent of Carl Jung’s view that perfectionism can be off-putting and unattractive in a person, as well as being a hopeless endeavour. Perhaps being "good-ish" is not only more achievable, but more human too.

It was the kind of conversation that lingers long after the curtain drops - equal parts deep, daft, and delightfully existential. Classic Val and Kay territory! We never shy away from life’s big philosophical questions - especially when armed with snacks, sarcasm, and public transport. Brought together in the workplace - which we’ve since both since escaped - bonded forever by the big stuff (and the double biscuits we enjoyed this time around!).

The Adventures of Wee Jeanie and Wee Jessie aka Val & Kay

We also left with our hearts feeling full - knowing we’d been in an auditorium of people who just “get it” and that shared connection amongst strangers. A quiet nod to the rest of Glasgow packed into Hampden Park for some very important football match (allegedly!).

Until next time, Grayson! Love us xx