REVIEW – DESPERATE HOUSEBOYS

Desperate Houseboys is an outrageously funny comedy act by inspiring young American YouTube sensations Jeffrey Self and Cole Escola. It is irreverent to the extreme and disses well known Aussie and American show business names, which shows remarkable insight into our local industry, immersing us in the gay subculture.

Some audience members may not get all the references, as the gay humour from these two unashamedly proud and talented actors goes way beyond bum jokes.

Totally camp and with an adoring audience of gays and straight alike, this original show forms part of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival program.

Audiences are treated to just under an hour of tongue in cheek, rolling gags that combine mime and song. They also take on some colourful characters, including the Tony Award-winning Bernadette Peters, as they workshop material for the Jeffrey and Cole Reunited show that promises to solve their financial dilemmas. (MS)

Until Feb 28, Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, $35, seymourcentre.com

BY MEL SOMERVILLE