Bearded, mohawked, chunky Neil Thornton is what we call in the gay community a hot Daddy bear. His show 100% Wrong is an excellent demonstration of the paternal generosity that comes with this territory. He has gathered together a number of diverse performers and acts and allows them to respond to his provocation to “fuck political correctness” and to reclaim the transgressive in us all.

Thorton’s rapid fire delivery of material sets the scene for the show as he unashamedly regales us with his honest stories of gay cruises, Mardi Gras and STDs. Whilst there is an inherent naughtiness in this for the audience, there is also a much more meaningful message that is buried under the glitter and leather. Queer culture has always been transgressive and the gradual absorption of it into the mainstream is a double edged sword. Queer characters may be seen more often in mainstream entertainment nowadays but their experiences and presences are often sanitised and neutered rather than authentically acknowledged and celebrated.

The notion of transgression is one of the cornerstones of queer politics and identity. What is being transgressed are heteronormative social standards and expectations. The existence and voices of queer people challenge these norms but more importantly reveal them to be restrictive and debilitating for everybody regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  

100% Wrong is an opportunity to see these norms destroyed with humour and comedy. Unfortunately not all of the performers fully take up Thorton’s offer. A number of them literally apologise for some of their off-colour, taboo and tasteless material. This is sadly missing the point. The audience most enjoys it when the performers revel in their transgressions and the moments that incite gasps of shock, groans of disgust (as well as full on belly laughs) are the most successful. Thorton himself sets the bar very clearly and very honestly from the get-go. 

The line-up will change every night but on opening night I especially like Susan Williams (a blind, disabled comedian who wrestles with the dilemmas of being asexual with very sexual desires), the leather corseted George Fenn and the Canadian-Kiwi Sarah Douglas (who has, since moving to New Zealand, discovered the freedom of being able to say the word ‘cunt’ out loud).

During the course of the evening some of the jokes fall flat, some of the performers take a while to find their confidence and some find it difficult dealing with drunk audience members. But in each case they deal with their difficulties with humour and generosity. Thornton not only provides these acts the space to present their work to the audience but also to promote their own shows in the Fringe. 

If you like your comedy edgy and anarchic, 100% Wrong is a great night out (no matter which side you bat for).

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