Rhys Nicholson must have been pushing down the material in Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! for a long time, for this show is certainly a diamond. This stand-up performance is a belly-aching set of hijinks and quick-witted commentary from one of the most dapper comedians to grace the stage.
This show is certainly a diamond
A veritable Miranda, Nicholson imparts advice on life through clever quips which are the kind of things we deserve to see on throw cushions and generally asks the important questions, like whether straight men are okay (from Nicholson’s anecdotes we can only assume that the jury is still out on that one). There is almost an elf-like quality to Nicholson’s performance, as they toy with us and our expectations, emphasizing parts of their performance through physical comedy. Darting around the stage like a ball of energy, Nicholson weaves a web of stories ranging from their childhood in Newcastle to the maintenance time of their 30s, and the life barnacles that come with them. This show is best described as essentially a series of well-thought streams of consciousness containing practically epiphanic observations. Possessing a confidence they attribute to straight, white, male comedians with podcasts, Nicholson keeps a lightning fast pace, never skipping beat whilst managing to tactfully riff, sidestep and temper our assumptions of any double entendres that may pertain to current affairs.
An incredibly revealing and high-spirited act, Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! is an incredibly memorable stand-up performance that keeps us laughing beyond the allocated hour. Not only a god to 11am gym patrons, but to anyone witnessing their performance, hopefully this is the one thing that Nicholson doesn't regret, for every second of every laugh is worth the resulting shortness of breath and aching in the ribs that occur as a result.
