Lizzie Murray
James Malcolm Is Throwing a Party and you’re invited! The two-time Billy T award nominee celebrates his fabulousness in his new Comedy Festival entry. The party theme is brilliantly conveyed through the metallic balloons and rainbow piñata on stage of the Te Auaha theatre. Each audience seat has a party hat and Taylor Swift bangers play as we enter. The stand-up comedy show is a fabulous look at gay culture and is decorated with meta gags.
Suzanne Wolton successfully warms up the audience with her wry wit. She delivers a strong, professional performance with a dark comedic tone. She wins big laughs and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her enter next year’s Comedy Festival with her own full length show.
A hilarious Ariana Grande Thank U Next parody sound bite begins Malcolm’s segment. I only wish there was more time between clips as the audience’s loud laughs cut off the beginning of the next voice. Other technical issues with sound slightly disrupted the show but Malcolm persevered with confidence and charm.
Malcolm’s strength is sharing his fantastically awkward anecdotes. We find out how he reacts to tinder dates that out stay their welcome and I learned a lot about gay sex. He often accents his jokes with a timid “thank you” even when he doesn’t get a big laugh - and in turn this provokes a roar of laughter.
What’s a party without party games? Be sure to sit in the front row to play musical chairs, a grown-ups version of pin the tail on the donkey and read a flattering speech for the man of the hour. Plus you can leave the show with a goodie bag of condoms!
Malcolm and Wolton are super talented comedians retelling their truth in truly interesting and fresh ways. Be sure to book tickets for a late nights of loud laughs here. James Malcolm Is Throwing a Party starts at 10pm at Te Auaha and is on until Saturday 18th May.