Picture an immaculately groomed, dapper little man in a suit, simulating masturbation on stage as if it were something mechanical and awkward. If that doesn’t amuse you, or even pique your interest, it’s best to skip Rhys Nicholson’s show and this review. For the rest of us who can take joy in laughing at the uncomfortable and vile, Rhys Nicholson delivers the goods and then some.

There is no topic, whether it be death, religion, sex, bad drugs or llamas, that is safe from Nicholson’s maniacal, yet genuinely curious gaze. Nicholson imbued near every musing or story with innuendo and self deprecation; a workmanlike routine to be sure, but he injected life into the material with his strangled voice and curious tics. His tics never felt like shallow affectation, however; he really does seem to be an offbeat man. Like many stand ups, he mines his own pain for comedy ore, and it’s because of his talent that the more painful parts never felt uncomfortable but rather poignant and affecting; his routine was never too poignant as to be saccharine as the tension was always almost immediately deflated by, say, a musing on dicks.

I fear that perhaps the wrong crowd was there to watch him, as some of his more blunt material on his homosexuality and religion elicited only silence and even a couple of disapproving mutters. However, some talk about a horse tranquilizer he ingested that nearly devolved into what can only be described as sleazecore, was met with riotous laughter. The crowd’s reactions were interestingly all over the place and telling of how polarizing Nicholson is. Yet, he managed to turn the fickle audience problem into comedy gold by making his befuddlement about what they found “acceptable” or “not acceptable” a running gag.

If there’s anything that didn’t work it was Nicholson’s musings on Tony Abbott — a topic that by now is akin to shooting fish in a barrel. I felt his preceding material proved he could be far edgier, and cleverer, than that. He ended by serenading the audience whilst stroking a blow up llama. I’m not sure it was his funniest bit, but it sure was theatrical and surreal, and that’s enough to stick a landing. Four stars.

Rhys Nicholson – Eurgh ran for one night only. You can check out the rest of the Fringe World guide here.

Buzzcuts is a program that trains young writers and broadcasters in critical arts reviewing. After running successfully in Melbourne for 15 years, this year the program is expanding to include Perth, with the support of Express Media, Fringe World, and the Sunday Times.

Buzzcuts PERTH gives successful applicants the chance to see several FRINGE WORLD shows for free, write reviews and see them published on the PERTH NOW website. Participants will also be trained in writing critical arts reviews at a free orientation session run by Express Media, Perth Now and Fringe World.

The program is open to writers aged 18-25 who live in the Perth area and are interested in developing their skills as entertainment/arts writers.

Participants are expected to attend at least two shows during Perth’s FRINGE WORLD festival (26 January – 19 February) and to produce two accompanying reviews. In addition, participants are required to attend the compulsory orientation to be held in mid-January (date to be confirmed).

To apply, please submit the following:
1. Your contact information (name, street address, email address, phone number, and date of birth)
2. A cover letter outlining why you would like to be involved and any experience you have relevant to the area (experience in arts reviewing is preferable but not essential)

Send applications to:
Kaitlyn Plyley
kaitlynplyley@gmail.com

Applications due: 5PM, Saturday 14th JANUARY.
Successful applicants will be contacted via email after Sunday 15th of January.