The world is burning around us, but we’re probably going to be okay.
That’s how I feel every year after I leave a Laura Davis show. And I say ‘every year’ because Laura is the one comedian who I make sure I see if they are performing. And I’m not alone – Laura’s shows are an essential Comedy Festival inclusion among my friendship group. Is it because I have a bunch of comedians as friends and, as Laura explains, they’re a “comedians’ comedian”? – maybe. But hey, these comedians know what’s up, because Laura is, without a doubt, one of the best comedians at Comedy Festival year after year.
Back-to-back nominations for Most Outstanding Show in 2022 and 2023 were clearly well-earned, and the 2024 offering from Laura, titled 'Albatross', is yet another demonstration of their incredible prowess. Witty, wry, and just so damn well-written, this year’s show once again demonstrates Laura’s ability to expertly weave together multiple concepts, stories, messages, and ideas, taking the audience on a journey that goes full-circle and provides a wonderful pay-off that is both satisfying and poignant.
Laura has a wonderful way of making the audience feel at ease, beginning the show on our level, building a relaxed and welcoming vibe before jumping on to the stage expertly weaving through wild and beautifully unhinged material. Their ability to see the things that others might miss in everyday life creates humour, but Laura’s way of unravelling the regular world, delivering stories in a dry way with a coy little laugh, is truly special and endlessly enjoyable.
When I say that I always feel better about the world after seeing a Laura Davis show, it might sound like an odd take-away, since most of the material within the shows revolve around highlighting the darkest parts of our society. But there’s something in Laura’s framing and hilarious take on the world that delivers hope – that’s what keeps me coming back, year in, year out.
More people should join in and jump on the Laura Davis train. Their shows are aways incredible and, as I’ve said, 'Albatross' is another brilliant and beautiful offering.
