TOM BALLARD IS WHAT HE ISAt The Forum – Ladies’ Lounge, corner Flinders & Russell Streets, Melbourne
Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm, Sunday 7.15pm, until April 26
$15 - $18
Rating: *** ½
A self-described “member of the non-pussy posse,” 19 year old Tom Ballard has crafted a solid and satisfying evening of stand-up for his first solo show at the Comedy Festival.
The 55 minute show is structured around the subject of Ballard’s sexuality: growing up gay in Warrnambool and coming out to his family and friends.
He is, he says, “quite comfortable with my crippling condition”, and it shows. Rather than an angry or angst-ridden coming out story, Ballard displays wit and warmth as he embarks on a series of humorous anecdotes about the challenges of pretending to be straight, the masturbatory habits of teenage boys, and the difficulties of finding a date.
Ballard copes well with the distractions of his small, stuffy venue, and confidently presents some serious observations about discrimination and prejudice disguised as jokes.
Watch this boy: now that he’s come out of the closet, he’s going places.
This review was originally published in The Age on Wednesday April 22, and online on Friday April 24.
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