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POSTED: 21 NOVEMBER 2008

Anthony Menchetti in Gay Conversion School Drop-Out ... cleverly developed and hilarious characterisations.

Gay Conversion School Drop-Out

(Factory Theatre, Enmore, Sydney, until 30 November)

Anthony Menchetti's one man show, Gay Conversion School Drop-Out, is — believe it or not— based on his true life story. It's hard to believe that parents could be so killingly cruel — even though trying to be kind — but Anthony shows his resilience by telling it all in a laugh-your-G-string-off, stand-up-comedy way.

Anthony's parents are Christian. Mum is a born-again evangelist who thinks praying to God will find her that elusive parking spot. Dad is an Italian Catholic who collects concrete statues of the religious variety, one for each new transgression. The house is remarkably cluttered.

When Anthony discloses his sexuality to his parents, they order him to a church-run Gay Conversion School, because while God loves you for what you are, that only holds true — for some Christians anyway — if you conform to what He wants you to be, and that is definitely not being gay.

If you think about it, the whole idea of a Gay Conversion School is obviously and seriously flawed, and it turns out to provide Anthony's first sexual experience — as he says, "what better place to meet a whole bunch of gay men!"

The characterisations of his fellow 'students' and the crazy facilitator are cleverly developed and hilarious.

In true stand-up form, Anthony plies the audience with lots of gizmos and props that draw giggles and guffaws, and his story references very obviously touch base with others of similar sexuality and/or experience in the audience.

For 'straights' the laughs are just as much fun, and the walk-away feeling is "My God ... why do these guys have to do it so tough?"

The fact that Anthony has survived the ordeal, learned to laugh about it and share his wonderful head-space with others is something to admire.