Adelaide Fringe

Book Review: Thirsty – Confessions of a Fame Whore, by Joel Creasey

2018’s Fringe Ambassador, comedian Joel Creasey, has lived a short but busy life so far and marks the occasion with an autobiography of his journey from a McCafe to the world stage.

Joel Creasey is, by his own admission, an attention-seeking Millennial Queen, self-confessed lover of powerful women (not in that way!) and hopeless (in every sense of the word) romantic – or, as he puts it – a Fame Whore.

Joel is the biological by-product of a former West End thespian (his Mother) and an 80’s icon (his Father – who was one of the lemon-flavoured, drink-dribbling Solo men). With this information to hand, alongside his sexuality, you know you are in for a wild ride.

Creasey has made a name for himself as a purveyor of his life story, from humble beginnings at McCafe, to the world stage and all the opportunities it has presented, including meeting his idols in America. As with his comedy (or so I am informed – I have never seen him, live or televised) Thirsty is a no-holds barred account of his life and journey to fame.

Within the pages of his book you will see two sides to Joel Creasey: his stage persona and the sexual nature of his comedy, and the fragile homosexual, desperate to find the joy and love he sees in his parents. The book is like a pumped-up evening with Benny Hill or Dick Emery – double entendre taken to the sexual extreme, as is the nature of such comedy. However, there is also the vulnerable side of Joel Creasey – a young man hurt, both personally and professionally, as well as personally by his profession. One can only wonder, should this be a required text for the isolated same-sex attracted, showing that even fame cannot instantly give you happiness and peace of mind.

At the time of publication Australia had yet to embrace (officially) the marriage of a same sex attracted couple. One can only hope that while Creasey, by his own admission, has lost material, he will now find the happiness he seeks and deserves, with a loving partner.

Thirsty, in spite of Creasey’s young age, is filled with tales of experience, both sexual and emotional; and of famous faces ranging from Australia’s own to Hollywood Legends (two of whom died after meeting Creasey…coincidence? Buy the book and find out!). It marks a life journey that’s short in time but extensive in activity. This is definitely one for the fans…or the curious.

Reviewed by Glen Christie

Distributed by: Simonand Schuster Australia
Released: November 2017
RRP: $32.99 trade paperback, $14.99 eBook

Rating out of 10:  7

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