Last time OUTinPerth check in with comedian Rhys Nicholson two years ago he was on the cusp of fame, about to appear in a national TV series, but not yet recognised in the street.
Do you get recognised in public now?
No, hopefully it will change soon. I was in Adelaide for the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Clipsal car race was on at the same time, because I’d appeared on ‘Balls of Steel’ it seemed I was very famous to a very small group of people, people who are into car racing, and casual racism. Dads would ask to get photos of me with their sons and say “Look, it’s the gay off television.
Your new show is called ‘Eurgh’, how are we pronouncing that?
It’s like Eurgghhhh, it’s really got a sound at the end. It’s the most commonly used phrase in my show from audiences and me.
I watched someone by tickets for the show the other day, they didn’t know I was there, and I watched them try to explain it to the box office, “I want to see the Eeyug show, it’s the show spelt with an E?” I just loved listening to people try to describe it.
The show is about followers and leaders, which one are you?
I’m a follower, I definitely say I’m a followers. I’d go as far as to say I’m a dawdler. I guess we can be both, but for the majority of my life I’m a follower. I mean I’ll complain about the people leading, but it’s not like I’d want to do it myself. I’m one of those people.
In all your promo photos you’re quite a snappy dresser, and a friend who just came back from the Melbourne Comedy Festival told me you’re a snappy dresser every day, surely that takes some effort?
Oh yeah, there will be a rare occasion you’ll see me in pedestrian clothes, but I like getting dressed up, it’s the best part of the day. To be honest I prefer to be a little over dressed for each occasion.
You’ve never been shy of sharing an opinion, would you ever take a seat on the Q&A panel.
I’d love to but I think I’d come across as an idiot. I reckon I’d be the one who starts quite strong but by the end of it you realise that they’re an idiot who just had a few cool lines written in front of them. You’d want to be someone like John Waters, he killed it by being so opinionated but by also have a great grasp of the English language.
‘Eurgh’ is at ABC720 Laugh Locker from May 1-4, grab tickets from www.showticketing.com.au
