Last year was a bloody great one for award-winning comedian, writer and composer Lou Wall. They received a prestigious Moosehead Award, their Melbourne International Comedy Festival show was well-received, and they scored a sweet TV gig on the ABC. The only problem is their personal life went to shit in pretty much every way imaginable (yes, we really mean that).
If you’re thinking the title of Wall’s latest show, The Bisexual’s Lament, is starting to look quite literal, you’d be exactly right. This show is the definition of making some (distinctly horrific) lemons into lemonade, and that lemonade tastes quirky, acidic in its anarchy and just a little sweet.
Always equal parts chaotic queer and comedic powerhouse, Wall first takes a ride on an audience member’s scooter, before lamenting the burden of being the first comedian ever to go through a breakup. They then launch into a list of things that made them laugh during a “c**t of a year”. An early 2000s-style PowerPoint, rapid-fire anecdotes and intermittent singing ensues, as Wall puts all their faith in the old adage ‘tragedy plus time equals comedy’ and comes out swinging.
Slideshow comedy seems to be especially popular at this year’s festival, but we can confidently assert that no one does it quite like Wall, who is a true master. This is no dull presentation, but rather a mile-a-minute lesson in multimedia storytelling, with memes and selfies zipping by faster than you could swipe your TikTok feed.
From the nightmare of trying to find an affordable and habitable rental in Sydney, to a brilliant song about the most unhinged Facebook Marketplace interaction you’ve ever heard of, the laughs roll on at a borderline alarming pace.
However, the biggest achievement of The Bisexual’s Lament isn’t Wall’s presentation prowess or even the way their wisecracks leave us screaming, crying, throwing up. Conversely, it’s Wall’s uncommon ability to dig into personal moments that are extremely dark and literally break into song about them, all the while exuding the utmost sensitivity and somehow convincing us that they really are okay.
You’ll leave with aching ribs, a healing heart and a strong desire to give Lou Wall both a hug and a high five.
Tickets for The Bisexual’s Lament are available now and you can nab yours via the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website.
