Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

Daisy Webb’s factory setting is ‘silly’, as displayed when she giggles coyly at some of her dafter punchlines: ’No, that’s stupid!’

On its own, this frivolous sense of humour can lead to some very slight routines. But thankfully she has a story to tell – of her journey to becoming a trans woman – in which the personable, light touch provides the perfect counterbalance for the more intense moments.

We learn about her awakening during the lockdowns, coming out to her odd – but kinda supportive – parents, as well as some of the admin and medical processes she’s undergoing. But don’t ask a trans person about surgery, that’s a no-no, as she explains in one witty analogy.

Her new life generates plenty of  amusing anecdotes as she experiences the world as other women do for the first time. Whenever she has a complaint she inevitably  hears ‘welcome to being a woman,’ a well-meaning phrase she probably over-thinks.

Her debut show can be graphic – a section on ‘trans-affirming sex moves’, especially. But it’s an unusual story told cheerfully. And for all the toxic talk that surrounds trans issues, she says: ‘I haven’t faced much adversity since making the decision,’ which has got to be encouraging news.

Away from her core story, however, the material is a lot less assured. She starts with a few derivative jokes about the board games she so loves – she even works in a specialist store – or hating the kids during her time as a substitute teacher.

It’s an odd decision to read aloud a child’s book she’s written about depression as it’s a real mood-killer, while giving a glossary of trans terms at the start is atypically flat.

But for the most part, Joy is an optimistic, amusing show that certainly delivers its titular promise.

Review date: 21 Apr 2023
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival