Jake Mace
Rhys Nicholson returns to the EdFringe stage this year with his new stand-up hour Huge Big Party Congratulations! later this week. We managed to catch up with Rhys for a pixelated pint to discuss cocktails, the decision to not have kids, and the process of creating a comedy show with your husband.
Catch Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations! between July 31st and August 25th at Underbelly, Bristo Square – Ermintrude at 20:25. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake: Hi Rhys! Tell us about what kind of journey you’ve been on creating this new show.
Rhys: A journey? Wow, I feel like we’re on Married At First Sight or something. My show started the same way it always does, I spend a few months bombing all over Australia onstage while I try and think of material, then when it’s shaping up into something my husband Kyran, who directs my shows, tells me what it’s about.
The Australian festival circuit becomes a kind of canary down the mine, and now finally, I come to the wet embrace of the Scottish audience.
Jake: So what sort of themes and ideas are you covering with your material this year?
Rhys: I never know what the show it’s about until about a week into its first run. It’s become clear this year is centred around my husband and my decision to not have kids, and how even though it’s none of anyone else’s business, people seem to have opinions on it. It’s also like, a lot of dumb jokes. So don’t panic.
Jake: What are you hoping the audience will take away from the show?
Rhys: Hopefully, some merch?
Jake: Now that we’re gearing up for Fringe season, what are you most excited for?
Rhys: Getting to hang out with my fiends I only see once a year and if I’m honest, reading middling reviews in national papers for the shows by people I don’t like very much. You have to cling to something.
Jake: Fitting with the themes of our magazine, if your show was an alcoholic beverage (think cocktails, shots, beers, be creative!) what would it be?
Rhys: Maybe a Manhattan? It’s my favourite drink. You feel classy when you drink them, but my the third one you are violently drunk.
