10 Tinsel-Tinged Questions For Rhys Nicholson
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Aussie gay comedy faves, Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson are set to host Rhys And Joel’s Family Christmas, with one show in Perth and two in Melbourne, setting the holiday mood. Rhys sat down with DNA for a Chrissy chat and end-of-year-debrief…
You and Joel Creasey are doing a “Family” Christmas show. Is Joel family to you?
Rhys: I mean, I suppose everyone has a different definition if what a family is, right? To me family is someone you need. Not always. Not every second. But someone who at certain times you desperately require. We know each other too well. We know where each others bodies are buried. We’ve seen each other vomit too much not to be family. I think that’s a good rule of thumb. If you’ve seen someone vomit more than six times, you’re family.
What can we expect from the show?
Ask me after the first show and I’ll tell you. Look, Jolene and I have been looking for an excuse to work together live again since forever so this just seemed like a good excuse. We love being onstage together and are really looking forward to these shows. Truly. They will be something a bit special I reckon. It’s not just us wandering out. It’ll be a big ol’ fun Christmasy extravaganza with music and games and some of our favourite performers. I mean Joel’s mum’s choir is doing the Perth show for fucks sake!
Alan Carr raved about you in his recent DNA interview. Will you be catching up with him during his tour?
Oh my God really!? What a thrill. He’s a true icon. We met years ago at a comedy club in the UK when I was booked to close the show and he had turned up as a surprise guest to try some new material. Needless to say, the audience was beside themselves he was there and then he was so fucking funny he blew the roof off the place. I was so terrified of following him but he was so kind and made a point of sitting up the front and laughed loudly all through my set. It’s such a classy move that really made an impact on me. We’ve been chatting and we’re both performing at the Opera House next week so hopefully we can find time for a bevy.
You’ve had a super-busy year with Drag Race, your live show Rhys, Rhys, Rhys and playing an evil doctor on The Imperfects, have you had fun?
So much fun! It’s been a real wild year of gear changes. It’s been just so bloody lovely to be out and about working again after the last couple absolute fucking nightmares of years.
Will you get a summer break? What will you get up to?
Kiiiiiiind of. I’m working right up until Christmas then I’m part of the ABC NYE broadcast, then all of January I’m finishing off a book of essays, then early in the year I will be in New Zealand for VERY SECRET REASONS I’M SURE NO ONE COULD GUESS and blah blah blah. I don’t like sitting still.
What 5 things will make 2022 memorable?
There is of course a bunch of grim shit like wars but I’d imagine you mean in my personal life.
Winning the main awards in Melbourne and Sydney comedy festivals was wild.
Doing a three-month stand-up tour around the world with my partner Kyran was pretty alright.
Getting to watch a bunch of my best mates get married was lovely. (Truly in my thirties now).
And, I don’t know, we renovated out kitchen and bought a heated blanket? Big year.
You used to do a routine about proposing to your partner, Kyran while very drunk. Did you ever end up getting married?
We cancelled the wedding during covid and are still waiting until we feel like it’s all clear to do it again.
What was your best Christmas present ever?
My parents bought me a video camera when they had like, no money and I reckon that really changed my life.
And your worst?
Once a beer company sent me a beer scented candle. No thank you beer company.
What would be the perfect Christmas gift for Joel?
I don’t think I can legally say.
See Rhys Nicolson with Joel Creasey at their Christmas Comedy Special. Dates for their show are December 1 at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne, December 4 in Perth at the Astor Theatre and December 8 at the National Theatre in St Kilda. Tickets and information are available here.
