Review: Rhys Nicholson: Rhys! Rhys! Rhys!

Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson muses about work, relationships and discovering a new identity in their latest Edinburgh show. Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! is all about Rhys, who draws on observations in their ordinary life to create less than ordinary comedy.

Expertly working the crowd from the moment they set foot on stage, Nicholson knows what buttons to push to get the audience going while keeping the majority on side. In this case, this means anyone except straight men who can’t take a joke. Camp with an edge, their acidic quips and cutting comments suggest that Nicholson could hold their own in any room. This level of confidence might come from never having to come out as gay to their parents, who always knew and are very supportive. They have also been in a secure relationship for eleven years, and revel in the fact that they can finally let themselves go.

Nicholson covers a range of topics, including aging, pornography and legacy weddings, keeping the energy high throughout the hour. It’s not thought-provoking and they aren’t stretching themselves, but they do address bigger issues affecting their community. It wasn’t long since same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia, and gay men still can’t give blood. Tonight, two men in the audience – presumably straight – can’t hack the finger being pointed at them and leave the show before it ends. It only serves to prove Nicholson’s point about the fragility of the most privileged, and it’s also very funny.