Lauren Edwards is a self-proclaimed “Yappy Bitch” and unapologetically so. Entering her 40’s came with discovering a stronger connection to her bossy chihuahua “Stanley Tucci”, than any of the other middle-aged women around her with their more “demure” nature. But if becoming your short haired chihuahua means that we get shows like this, I’m all for it.
Chihuahua doesn’t follow a normal narrative structure, there’s no running story here that other comedy shows follow, in part because of “how well life is going”, Lauren jokes. But, just like the previous times I’ve had the joy of seeing Lauren Edwards in her element, her energy and passion for the stage is some of the most contagious I’ve ever seen. Something that has made her become one of my favourite comedians and has been firmly cemented by Chihuahua with how exuberant her comedic style is.
Edwards being a theatre kid has worked its way into her comedy act, not only because she has such great stage presence, but because there’s some amazing stories that have come from it. A lifelong grudge coming from losing a part in the Robin Hood musical ended with one of best revenge-based punchlines I’ve probably ever heard. That’s something that Edwards has finessed every time I’ve seen her; the lead up to her punchline will have you breathless with laughter, but that punchline makes your cheeks hurt. With the high probability of laughing so much that you may spit your drink, this is my formal warning to you about the highest risk moments when attending a Lauren Edwards show.
If you’re a fan of The Phantom of the Opera, keep that drink in your hands as Lauren Edwards‘ cheeky remarks about the Phantom’s actor will risk you having a spit take. Not giving away too much, the but the absolute highlight of the show is about ‘Fur Babies’, referencing to Lauren‘s own dog, Stanley Tucci and any childless audience member that’s had one too many awkward conversations about their beloved pet.
If you’re a Millennial, I can promise you that almost every joke in Chihuahua will resonate with you in some way. When was the last time you thought about Nikki Webster? It might be a niche joke, but my god did it land brilliantly. But if you don’t remember Nikki Webster, you’ve probably had a negative experience with a real estate agent.
The brilliant retelling of Lauren Edwards’ personal experiences is almost too relatable to laugh at, but that’s what makes her so funny. She holds nothing back, takes the audience in like we’re all her friends, and this benefits her stand up spectacularly.
There’s a very high chance you might leave a Lauren Edwards show feeling like you’ve had a hilarious and open conversion with a friend but never feeling like you’ve invaded her personal life. So many of her jokes and stories in Chihuahua seem to be deliberately relatable, you might not have worked out that you’re the personality hire at work, but at the end of the show, you might be asking yourself the question. This time, without the use of any props or musical elements, Chihuahua proves that Lauren Edwards can be one of Australia’s best comedians.
Lauren Edwards maintains your attention and exudes a constant high energy throughout her show Chihuahua that will have you laughing so hard that your face hurts and you risk spitting out your drink. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that Lauren Edwards is a must-see comedian.
Lauren Edwards‘ Chihuahua is currently playing as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Theory Bar‘s Screening Room until April 20th.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/lauren-edwards-chihuahua
https://www.instagram.com/livelaughlauren__
Photography supplied.