The Wedding review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

We’re all invited to the wedding of Tony and Dave. As we take our seats at the reception, Andy Balloch, our wedding MC, advises us that the DJ hasn’t arrived, so we’re jumping straight into the speeches. Through the chaos of a wedding in The Wedding, he explores the uphill challenges that the queer community - particularly trans people - face just for wanting to exist.

Balloch masterfully takes on all ten personas in this show, as they give toasts, monologues or appear in sketches. He brilliantly captures the essence of who these people are. While they are played for laughs, we can relate to having an aunt who is like that, or a cousin who insists on wearing his shades in an indoor wedding reception.

While the characters are funny, much of their observations, humour and “ribbing” are pushing on homosexual microaggressions and even outright homophobia, which begins to make you wonder what he is doing. Then you realise - not through a twist, but more of a pivot - as he steers the story onto a path about trans rights. For this, Balloch should be recognised as one of the few cis male performers speaking up for trans rights in his work, reminding everyone in the room, that being an ally is more than simply saying you’re an ally.

This plot point marks a sharp veer into sobering territory and unfortunately it comes at the cost of the show. Balloch seems to break from playing the heightened version of himself to being himself, as he begins discussing the problems and persecution trans people are facing, including issues around access to puberty blockers. It pulls us out of the wedding environment and the world he’s created. There needs to be a more nuanced way of sliding this in, that honours what's been presented up until this point.

Having said that, his most powerful - and emotional - turn comes as Tony’s father Rocky. It’s a surprisingly layered moment from both performer and character. Balloch dons a pair of glasses as his prop for Rocky, but the subtle changes in his body, and the way his voice transforms into a father brimming with love and protection for his son is simply incredible to watch unfold.

The Wedding is a clever and chaotic celebration that uses humour as a Trojan horse for some sharp, confronting truths. Andy Balloch displays great skill in character comedy while holding up a mirror to everyday prejudices that we often overlook. The tonal shift into advocacy could be more seamlessly integrated, but the final speech manages to catch you off guard, landing with real emotional weight. It’s a reception that leaves you with more than just a slice of cake, you leave with clarity, compassion, and something worth carrying forward.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Storyville, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Season: until 20 April | Tues - Sat 9.00pm, Sun 8.00pm
Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $28 Full | $26 Conc | $20 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival