Written and performed by Lauren Edwards
With a show jam-packed with hilarity, we need more comedians like Lauren Edwards right now
Reviewed by Annika Loci
Theory Bar, Melbourne
Playing until 20th April, 2025
Tickets: www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/lauren-edwards-chihuahua
Type: Stand Up, Observational
If You Liked: Live, Laugh, Lauren (2021), Brace Yourself (2024)
4 STARS
One fun and fabulous thing for me about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the opportunity to discover new talent – especially one still finding their personal performance style – whether they’re emerging artists, or just someone you’ve never heard of before. With this year seeing nearly seven hundred acts vying for the public’s time and wallets, independent artists need to work as hard as ever to catch your eye.
Lauren Edwards is one such artist who caught my attention with her first full stand up show Brace Yourself standing out from amongst the crowded world of observational comedians and the numerous MICF shows last year. Even then, Edwards was no stranger to the stage having leapt into the comedy scene in 2021, with a character cabaret Live, Laugh, Lauren. Three years, and thousands of online followers later with critically acclaimed shows and appearances at Adelaide Fringe, Brisbane Comedy Festival, as well as multiple podcast appearances, it’s exciting to see what Edwards brings to her show each year.
Chihuahua is Edwards second 100% brand new stand-up show at MICF and even before opening it’s had great attention, including her sold out opening night. With an innate talent for bringing audiences along with her stories, Edwards once again offers her relaxed and often cheeky nature, which shines in her natural delivery and on-stage personality.
With a simple stage of a mic and a bottle of water, Edwards effortlessly demands the full attention of her audience, not letting her fifty-five-minute set drag at any point, cleverly weaving the references to her Chihuahua “Stanley Tucci” throughout. Covering an impressive variety of topics (even though self-confessed life’s pretty good right now and her supportive partner provides no comedic material), her observations are more about the irks and quirks of the world.
Edwards hysterically discusses her dealing with the real estate industry; the awkwardness and pressure once you find out you are the “personality hire” and why she was upset at the Phantom of the Opera. Audiences are also on the receiving end of her defense of pickpockets, and the debate of pet parents vs human parents, and keeps audiences guessing which way jokes might land.
There’s something for every generation to relate to and enjoy and this show is jam-packed full of hilarity. In this ever-changing world, we need more comedians like Lauren Edwards right now.
Book tickets to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 here.
