one4review | On 27, Aug 2015

Tom Ballard tells us that he’s so unknown here that he was asked by front of house staff one night if he had a seat, which certainly won’t be the case for long as this affable, young, Australian comedian has just been shortlisted for Foster’s best newcomer award.

The show focuses on Tom’s experiences as a gay man from growing up in a small town in Australia, coming out to his family, his one encounter with a woman at a party in New York, sexually transmitted diseases (yes they can be funny), interesting taxi rides and terrorism. Tom’s tales give a good insight into how it feels to be classed as ‘different’ by some parts of society and how even in this modern world we live in, the homophobic prejudice he sadly still encounters.

Tom works the crowd beautifully and everyone was laughing from start to finish. He switches from a poignant story straight into a hilarious experience, mixing between some quick fire gags and observations to some longer anecdotes that he hops in and out of. This confident, relaxed, performer will definitely be going places, maybe not to Russia or Uganda, but he has a very bright future ahead of him.

Only a few days left to catch him in Edinburgh so get a ticket quick if you can.

****

Reviewed by Sharon

Assembly George Square Studio 5

Until 30^th Aug

21.15 to 22.15