Live, Laugh, Lauren

While Lauren Edwards’ Live Laugh Lauren show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival may have been autobiographical, it felt more like a portrayal of every millennial woman I know.  

Lauren, like many of us, is an anxious people pleaser who is also (in her own words) incredibly vain. She really wants you to like her. Like really. Luckily for her, she has a ‘likable’ face – which is so important for a woman to be respected and successful in life. 

Throughout her entire performance, it felt like she was performing thoughts and feelings that I – a fellow millennial woman – have on a daily basis. Everything from ‘worshipping at the temple of Mecca Maxima’ to ‘Work email Lauren vs real Lauren’ hit home. 

Lauren candidly explores our uncontrollable need to please people, our desire to be beautiful and well liked, and the hunger to live our lives prancing around in beige linen and perfect skin and a life like an aspirational quote. All this paired with crippling anxiety and an unrealistic desire to be an influencer, explored through a couple of musical numbers, is tough. 

Lauren’s humour is endearingly self-deprecating, but also intelligent and thoughtful, as she questions gratitude journals, how one is supposed to ‘manifest’ something positive we want in our lives without the riches of Beyoncé, influencers or at least without having to give up our beloved Meredith feta. 

Lauren gave a multi-faceted performance with highs and lows, song and dance, and even some flower crowns in what was both a witty and painfully relatable performance. 

Live, Laugh, Lauren
Performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2021
comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/live-laugh-lauren