Though it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a flock of fellow homosexuals to properly raise a gay child, proposes Toby Halligan in his latest stand-up show, The Bad Gay (a reworked and significantly expanded version of his 2014 Melbourne Fringe show, Tobylerone).
Having grown up in Canberra, Halligan proposes that the lack of such a queer support network in his home town is the reason he became a poorly dressed political wonk who dances like a drunken giraffe rather than a stylish dressed homosexual at ease on the podium or dance floor. Regardless of the truth of such claims, his engaging explorations of the modern gay world of body fascism and hook-up apps – as well as more general fare such as light rail, vomiting and music festivals – definitely make for entertaining viewing.
Halligan’s material is varied, taking in everything from the challenges of being a high school chess nerd to the risks of having sex while camping, and his delivery is engaging, fast-paced and fluid. Punters who are familiar with Halligan through his appearances at the monthly topical comedy night Political Asylum will be expecting some astute quips concerning our federal politicians, and won’t be disappointed: Halligan’s exploration of the Prime Minister’s recent foray into onion-eating is a sharply delicious highlight.
Structurally, The Bad Gay needs a little tweaking and tightening; the thread which connects Halligan’s routines – the ups and downs of a recent relationship – is sometimes loose, making the transitions between his jokes and stories occasionally forced or abrupt. Nonetheless, whether recounting the inanities of Canberra’s journalism or the three most Aussie things he’s ever witnessed, Halligan remains a quick-witted, personable and engaging performer who continues to impress.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5
The Bad Gay
Written and performed by Toby Halligan
Directed by Damian Callinan
Trades Hall, Carlton
Until 19 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
25 March – 19 April
