by ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tom Ballard has returned to Edinburgh from Down Under with ever more timely and intransigent opinions to shout at us, this time from the basement of Monkey Barrel 2. Even if it’s only midday.
“I’ll be blasting my correct opinions at you in a loud volume,” Ballard warns, but hastens to add: “You people are sick and you’re the ideal demographic for my comedy.”
What’s on his mind these days (aside from the new political sea-changes in the UK and the US, for which he has added some new jokes to his hour about Kier Starmer) is both local to him in Australia, and perhaps relevant to anyone living in a politically divided society. For Ballard, what stings the most was campaigning for a referendum in Australia that would’ve given the aboriginal people a louder seat at the constitutional table, then watching as his countrymen and women soundly voted it down and celebrated it in the bars and streets. It stung even more for Ballard because he has an aboriginal boyfriend. But he has jokes aplenty at his expense as well as toward those who oppose his philosophy and lifestyle. Even including Pope Francis.
Ballard remains baffled at centrists who suggest compromising with the far right. “Why do we always have to listen to them? They’re not listening to us!” Three conservative audience members left halfway through the show I attended, ironically proving his point.
Ballard may not want to listen to the other side any longer, though he can see the humor in it. Performing at the Monkey Barrel means standing outside the venue after his hour, holding a bucket to accept donations. “I’m sick of being socialist. There no money in it,” he quips.
Tom Ballard “Good Point Well Made” plays at Monkey Barrel Comedy during the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe
