Words: Calum Baxter
Image: Matt Crockett

4 Stars

She started performing stand-up comedy aged 18. She has supported Katherine Ryan on tour, was a finalist in the 2015 Chortle Student Comedy Awards and the BBC New Comedy Award the following year. She was nominated for Best Newcomer for her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017. Now Lauren Pattison returns.

In this year’s show, ‘Big Girl Pants’, Lauren is determined to overcome her anxieties and strengthen her resolve since she turned 30. Her best friend “Shirley” is introduced early in the narrative as Lauren’s unwavering support in her pursuit of this goal, since she finds the Geordie comic a patient driving instructor as she racks up 186 hours of driving lessons in her pursuit to learn to drive. Additionally, Lauren discusses her initial reluctance to visit the hospital for a routine medical procedure to determine the risk of her developing cervical cancer. This leads onto a heart-warming anecdote about her supportive boyfriend who was making her laugh during the procedure. However, cracks do begin to show within her support network.

The narrative which initially revolves around Lauren finding courage within herself evolves into a story about women finding the courage to support each other through their own struggles. 

A poignant hour of stand-up which will resonate with many. 

Lauren Pattison: Big Girl Pants
Monkey Barrel Comedy – MB1 
12:30
Aug 18 – 20, 22 – 25