Rhys Nicholson: ‘Please, for the love of god, just laugh. I need this’

Rhys Nicholson is a multi-award-winning and internationally lauded comedian at the height of their powers.

Their most recent standup specials include Live at the Athenaeum (Netflix) and Big Queer Comedy Concert (Amazon Prime), both of which earned them AACTA Award nominations, as did their work as resident judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under (STAN), which has now recorded its fourth series.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they co-founded Comedy Republic, an indie theatre and bar in the heart of Melbourne which has now played host to over 400 comedians.

They are also an essayist and author, publishing the food-infused memoir Dish: Spiels, Scoops, Emotional Outbursts and the Occasional Recipe (Random House Australia) in 2023, and a podcaster – co-hosting Fwends with their partner Kyran and singer-songwriter Georgia Mooney.

But amongst their many and varied projects, as Rhys told Bristol24/7, the live stage still holds an exhilarating purity.

Photo: Random House Australia

What were the origins of this particular show? 

“Well, its title came from the fact that last year when my husband and I sent out our wedding invites, my father in law replied in all caps, with no punctuation, “HUGE BIG PARTY CONGRATULATIONS”. It really made me laugh and I just kept saying it, so it felt right I called the tour that.

“The show itself? I’ve got some money tied up in some pretty shady place and have been told if I don’t make money on this tour, they are going to break my arms and legs. So I suppose that’s the origin of the tour.”

When you have critical acclaim professionally combined with happiness and security in your personal life, how does it impact your writing process? 

“Jesus Christ, that question is NOT mucking around. I think there’s this pretty dumb idea that being happy is bad for comedy. I would say the moment I was happy is the moment I started getting successful. I stopped trying to write work that I thought the audience would find funny, and leant into what I think is funny.

“I mean, I also tend to think my job is just the same as anyone else’s. I’m not answering some honourable call here. I write new shows and tour them because it’s my job and I have bills to pay. I’m just lucky I also love it.”

How does the touring lifestyle suit you?

“I try my absolute hardest not to take the travelling for granted because I am veeeeerry lucky I get to go to some fun places. Having said that, as my mid-thirties have dawned, it’s become radically clear I am not a 23-year-old anymore.

“I can’t bounce back every morning the way I used to be able. It’s definitely more sensible salads and a dry Riesling after the show instead of uppers and infinity vodka sodas.”

What does performing live comedy do for you that writing, podcasting, acting or broadcasting can’t?

“It’s instant feedback, and I like that. I like the chemistry of a live show. Everyone is in there, being part of the show. Also the money is better.”

Do you have any expectations of a British audience?

“UK audiences are genuinely the best ones. Live comedy is in your DNA. But as for expectations? Please, for the love of god, just laugh. I need this. “

Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations is at the Hen and Chicken Studio on October 16 at 8pm. Visit www.thecomedybox.co.uk for tickets.

Visit www.rhysnicholson.com for more information or follow @rhysnicholson.

All photos: Monica Pronk

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