Brace Yourself - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 (VIC)

Presented by Lauren Edwards

Reviewed by Annika Loci

The Malthouse – Playbox

Playing until Sunday 7th April, 2024

Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/brace-yourself

A first 100% stand up show for Lauren Edwards, this is a clever and hilarious delivery of observational comedy

After making her comedy festival debut in 2021 with her well received cabaret style show Live, Laugh, Lauren, and a growing popularity online with her character skits and comedic commentary posts about the social and political landscape, Lauren Edwards' comedic prowess continues to go from strength to strength. For 2024, the rising star presents her first completely 100% stand up show Brace Yourself, with Edwards a pure delight to watch.

No stranger to the performing arts world, Edwards shows off her energetic and cheeky stage presence over the hour long routine. Brace Yourself is not just a reference to her personal journey with chronic health and the love-hate relationship with her back brace from her younger years, it's Edwards bracing herself as she approaches her 40th birthday and reflects of years gone past.

Directed by fellow Australian comedian (and un-official mentor) Claire Hooper, Brace Yourself is a clever and hilarious delivery of observational comedy, even if admitting her boyfriend is too supportive, providing her no gold standard material to work with.

Regardless, Edwards whilst staying comfy in her crocs, dives head first in her material, commanding the full attention of her audiences. An old-school style projection screen shows the real life pictures of Edwards and her journey with scoliosis. This theme is weaved throughout, reminding us it is important to find the humour in our challenges and embrace them. The self-confessed “non-traditionally kinky” Edwards, who finds nothing hotter than a bed with full spinal support, takes audiences through her challenges and anxieties becoming a sarcastic aging millennial. From candle obsessions at open houses to sex positions (posture and comfort a must), and impressively remembering choreography from the Moulin Rouge movie, there are many golden moments found in her routine.

Lauren Edwards' comedic reputation is rapidly gaining momentum and is one to keep your eye on over the coming years, confidently following in the footsteps of other MCIF alumi such as Gillian Cosgriff. Brace Yourself is a well-paced highly relatable show that’s jam-packed with laughs and insight into the rollercoaster that is life.