Rhys Nicholson

Rhys Nicholson is a bold, razor-sharp comedian whose wit has earned international acclaim across the globe. With a career that spans continents and numerous accolades, Rhys has cemented themself as one of the most exciting voices in comedy today. From winning Best Newcomer at the Sydney Comedy Festival in 2012 to being named Best International Show at the 2018 New Zealand International Comedy Festival, their journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Rhys has also been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Helpmann Awards' Best Comedy Performer and an ARIA nomination for their special Live at Darlinghurst Theatre.

Known for their fearless humour and unapologetic style, Rhys has performed at some of the most respected venues in the world, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London’s Soho Theatre, and Dublin’s Vodafone Comedy Festival. Their stand-up specials have earned critical acclaim, with their 2019 Netflix special making them one of only three Australians to have a solo show on the streaming platform. This success continued with nominations for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special at the AACTA Awards and appearances on ‘RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under’ and ‘The Imperfects’ on Netflix.

Rhys’ face is well known across Australian TV, having appeared on various iconic programs. They’ve candidly discussed redheads (and other topics) with then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on The Project (Channel 10), been a panellist on ‘Hughesy, We Have A Problem’, and appeared on ‘CRAM’ and ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’ (Channel 9). Rhys also co-hosted the celebrated documentary ‘GayCrashers’ with Joel Creasey on ABC TV, and featured on ‘Dirty Laundry Live, Morning Show Style Squad’ (Channel 7), and ‘Orange Is The New Brown’. They’ve performed stand-up on prestigious shows such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Oxfam Gala, ABC2’s ‘Comedy Up Late’, and the JFL Stand Up Series, in addition to the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala. Rhys has also made waves overseas, appearing on the New Zealand panel show ‘7 Days’ and filming a comedy special for the BBC in front of a live London audience.

Rhys has become a staple on TV, from making regular appearances on Australian television to hosting red carpet events for STAN’s ARIA Awards coverage. In 2024, Rhys brought their signature humour to Taskmaster Australia and continued to dominate international stages, including a month-long run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with their latest critically acclaimed show ‘Big Huge Party Congratulations!’, which sold out in cities across Australia, Sydney, Perth, and New Zealand.

In 2016, Rhys publicly married fellow comedian and lesbian Zoe Coombs Marr during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to champion the cause of marriage equality in Australia. They were also featured in an Archibald Prize finalist portrait by artist Melissa Ritchie, titled ‘Rhys Smart Mouth’.

Rhys’ versatility extends far beyond the stage, with writing and acting roles that highlight their diverse talent. Their memoir ‘Dish: Spiels, Scoops, Emotional Outbursts and the Occasional Recipe’ was published in 2023 by Penguin Random House Australia, showcasing their sharp wit and storytelling prowess. Whether they’re headlining the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, hosting a gala, or performing in front of a live TV audience, Rhys Nicholson continues to redefine the boundaries of comedy with their impeccable timing, unfiltered humour, and unique perspective on the world.