Bryan Safi’s debut Fringe show is all about “coming out”, but after teasing us that we’re in for an hour of queer trauma, he reveals he’s actually talking about the physical act of coming out on stage. The American comic certainly knows how to make an entrance. He kicks off proceedings with a sultry slow jam version of a classic Paula Abdul number, but hidden behind this razzle-dazzle is a plethora of insecurities. He laments that he “walks into a room like he’s apologising” and suffers from a curious case of body dysmorphia, but how could he not be a little messed up with a mother who once said, “Bryan, I don’t care if you’re gay, just don’t make it obvious”?
The premise might sound slight, but this is a wonderfully goofy show filled with catty one-liners and fabulous physicality. Safi’s comedy tends to emanate from flipping situations on their head. The fierce insults his mother used to hurl at him become a cathartic interactive gameshow called “homophobic or serving?”, and the singing of 90s power ballads, one of the few things that brought Safi comfort as a queer teen, is turned into a hilarious weapon of discomfort. He’s a natural comedian who seems to have the most fun going off-script, including a surreal segue in which he tries to guess the item an antsy audience member has been rummaging for in their bag. Safi might wish that he wasn’t such a people pleaser, but with this effortlessly funny show, he gives his audience exactly what they want: a joyous evening of sharp comedy.
Bryan Safi: Are You Mad at Me??, Underbelly, Bristo Square, until 25 Aug (not 12), 5.20pm