TOM BALLARD & HANNAH GADSBY

Intimate. That’s the overriding impression after seeing Tom Ballard Is What He Is: a cosy chat about coming out and coming to terms with sexuality and, “all the awkwardness that that involves”.

Ballard is laid-back and he’s cheeky, and the audience loves it. The 21-year-old Triple J breakfast host takes us back to school and back to Warrnambool, country Victoria, to trace his emergence as a young gay man. How does he survive those years, despite not loving footie? You’ll find out in 70 minutes of edgy story telling that will, “make you feel warm and fuzzy and love your fellow humans”.

Mrs Chuckles follows with Hannah Gadsby giving a polished performance fuelled by her stinging self-deprecating humour as she talks about not talking, social awkwardness, how a gay woman can be a prude, death and bungy jumping.

It’s a great double in a good night of comedy.

Until February 27, Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $20-28, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au