Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

What would any psychiatrist trying to assess Rhys Nicholson for the ADHD diagnosis he’s trying to secure make of his latest show?

The fast-moving hour is certainly the product of a restless mind, while the machine-gun delivery would be consistent with hyperactivity. But he also demonstrates a sharp focus on punchlines that few could match.

Don’t ask me, I’m not a doctor. But armchair analysis might be inevitable during 60 minutes that rarely moves the conversation beyond the topic of Rhys Nicholson. But with a title like Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! you can’t say you weren’t warned.

There is, however, a nub of politics at its core. Gay men in Australia are still prohibited from giving blood as they are considered ‘high risk’ – which prompts the comic to consider just how  the domesticated reality of his a settled long-term relationship is far from risky. Though ‘safe’ is not a term to apply to his spiky material, even if it’s always packaged in a palatable way.

We jump back to his younger days in Newcastle, New South Wales, hanging out with the straight boys and putting on ‘plays’ that were all about revelling in acclaim. Plus ça change…

He introduces us to his archetypically taciturn dad - ‘ornamental’ is Nicholson’s description – and leads us through a long list of bugbears, from young people to weddings. In contrast, he enjoys a good divorce. ‘What. A. Thrill,’ he asserts in his typically emphatic, sardonic delivery. He has an insatiable interest in when relationships go wrong, as evidenced from a glorious anecdote about eavesdropping on youngsters on a date.

There’s something of a personal revelation when he tells of something he’s just started to consider about his identity. If it comes as a surprise, it’s because at just 30 the stage version of Nicholson appears to have complete understanding of who he is. The persona is as distinctive and sharp as his slick tailoring and manicured copper hair – and is the wellspring from which his fast-flowing stream of gags and opinions emerges.

• Rhys Nicholson: Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! is at the Forum Theatre at 8.15pm (7.15pm Sundays, no show Monday) until April 24. He will also be playing the Underbelly Bristo Square during this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Review date: 17 Apr 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett