Some of the ground covered in this comedy hour has, on paper, been done before – things like the absurdly inflated prices to just about everything related to a wedding, and the people who want to know if Rhys and their husband Kyran Wheatley are going to have children, as if it is any of their business. But talk of parenting leads to other some unique stories of Rhys’ school days and how their mother dealt with the news that they were, together with Marcus, a classmate, making a small fortune in distributing blue movies. It’s the sort of thing that probably couldn’t be done these days, purely because of economic unviability due to the sheer amount of freely available explicit material online.
That the times are a-changin’ (so to speak) leads Rhys to admit they aren’t one of the young ‘uns anymore, although they are quick to add that 34 years of age is by no means ‘old’. Indeed, they are quick when it comes to talking about anything at all, with a rapidity in delivery that not only indicates a sharp wit but held my attention throughout. Stories about the suffering they endure for the sake of their marriage include a large family gathering for the Christmas period, with all the various personalities such a gathering involves. And in the end, it’s difficult to disagree with their assertion that it’s a little funny when billionaires get into a spot of bother, especially when they’re doing something entirely unnecessary and avoidable. Congratulations indeed for a sharp and captivating show.
Review by Chris Omaweng
Congratulations are in order: Rhys Nicholson is finally married. After years of performing sell-out stand-up shows taking us on the journey of getting engaged, fighting for marriage equality in Australia, planning and then cancelling their wedding because of a fun global health crisis, it could be argued that being indefinitely betrothed became Rhys’ personality. In their brand-new show Huge Big Party Congratulations! Rhys is set to publicly untangle themselves for money and ask the big questions now that their ‘happily ever after’ has begun. Like, what in the absolute f—k are they meant to talk about now, and why don’t they feel any different being wed? Rhys would also like to make it clear that the show has an astounding amount of jokes, especially of the dick variety – all for the sake of a good laugh and perhaps a few of their mortgage payments along the way.
RHYS NICHOLSON: HUGE BIG PARTY CONGRATULATIONS!
Underbelly Bristo Square at the Edinburgh Fringe
31 July to 25 August 2024
Shows and events booking now for Edinburgh Playhouse and for King’s Theatre Glasgow.
