Words: Elodie Marriott
Image: Monica Pronk

5 stars

Rhys Nicholson has a voice like a drum roll. Both in that they have a fast anticipatory tempo, and
that their punchlines can be consistently relied upon. They never once miss a beat or play a
sour note. Just a few feverish screams that delightfully punctuate their delivery.

Nicholson careens through topics at a chaotic velocity, compelling the audience to hang on every
word, to be resolutely along for the ride. Their bizarre observations are freshly witty yet distinctly
universal. Whether it’s boomers and leaves or drug dealers and lizards, their combinations are
endlessly entertaining.

Not afraid to circle back when they feel there’s still comedic juice to be squeezed, their insights
into weddings, “a way to rank your loved ones,” and heavily-botoxed people, “aspirational” and
deserving of respect, leave no room for the crowd to catch their breath.

They’re generous with the audience, sharing many personal anecdotes and fears (turning into
Jafar from Aladdin), and even offering threatening to send an image (it is what you think it is) to
lucky audience members on their way home.

Their set ends with fervorous applause. “Thank you, I deserve this,” they say with mock
smugness. But yes, they really do deserve it.

Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations!
Underbelly, Bristo Square – Ermintrude
20:25
Aug 3-25