Josh Thomas Whoopsie Daisy @ The Regal Theatre
Friday, November 22, 2019
Josh Thomas’ Whoopsie Daisy landed in Perth’s Regal Theatre, filling the theatre’s 1,048 seats with eager millennials who’ve grown up alongside Thomas throughout his career. His six-year absence from the comedy scene had been noticed by fans, and their anticipation permeated as pop music played through the speakers, while guests were disappointed by lacklustre selfies produced by the harsh set lighting. Otherwise patrons were greeted by the sight of a simple set: a vase of flowers, a glass of champagne, and a microphone.
The audience erupted into a sea of applause and wolf whistles as Thomas twirled onto the stage, a flash of green and black silk, his infectious, awkward grin beaming down at them. A few more twirls, a sip of Dutch courage, and he was ready to perform.
We learn that Thomas has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) at the age of 27, his beloved mother (whom we feel we somewhat know from Please Like Me) has been diagnosed with dementia, Tom and his partner have had a baby, and Thomas’ sweet canine companion has turned 13 and is enjoying his retirement.
Thomas tells of his attempts to build upon non-existent social skills, forced to expand his social circle after his move to Los Angeles, and laments that dating has become increasingly difficult and altogether uncanny in some ways. The thought of choking someone during sex once frightened a young Thomas, but now he’s more concerned if he’s not asked to choke someone. Some men he sees on Tinder have a penchant for men with big balls, and he’s somewhat saddened by the idea that there are so few surprises in sex nowadays with apps such as Snapchat being a portal to seeing someone’s junk before you’ve even met them. However, he’s up for most things… Just don’t ask him to be a sex-baby, he is happy being a sex-man.
A gun joke aimed at Americans was received well by the crowd. Its truth suspended above the audience for moment as the reality of Thomas’ words made their impact. I mean, yeah, why be afraid of spiders in Australia when America provide ample means by which mentally ill teenagers are offered easy access to firearms?
Anecdotes are Thomas’ thing; they are all equally hilarious, and tinged with his signature hue of melancholy. Thomas’ comical back and forth between the light and dark of our existence is what makes his shows so compelling. Each quip is set within a deep truth that we all feel at one time or another. However, before they can feel the weight of the world pressing down upon them, witty punchlines bring the audience back and laughter ensues. Balloons tied to a man’s genitals do not fail as a laughter-inducing conclusion to a tale which highlights the depravity of Hollywood, showing Thomas’ ability to seamlessly integrate a dark truth into a hilarious narrative for his audience.
Thomas’ performance stayed true to his usual style, his awkward, cheeky, and relatable persona a delight to witness as he shares his anecdotes and feelings with kindred spirits. The audience left the Regal Theatre sated by laughter, a truly wonderful performance, and the notion that truth is always better than a lie.
JADE SCHRANDT
