Lovely by name, lovely by nature. There really is no other word to describe this hour of charming, squishy, makes-you-smile-sweetly-in-a-way-only-a-Disney-princess-movie-can comedy or indeed, the wee comedian delivering it.
This is Laura Lexx’s debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and she begins by outlining that her life is pretty fantastic, but that’s the problem. How do you write an hour of stand up comedy without some kind of life crisis to validate your existence as a comedian? Why do all the first world problems happen to her?!
But Lexx isn’t as plain as she thinks she is. She reveals elements of her existence to the audience that are undeniably kooky and perhaps not of the norm. For example, her adoration of TV documentaries might be perceived as slightly old fashioned, however that genre sort of works for her and her re-enactment of a wildlife documentary is extremely Izzard-esque. Lexx bravely reveals that she has IBS (unsurprising after 3 weeks at the Fringe), but again, it’s not the worst thing in the world and was cutely disgusting. Lexx laughs at herself like I imagine a happy elf would.
If you go to Lexx’s show (and I urge you to do so), close you’re eyes for a tiny section. Not only does she have a voice like warm, sticky caramel, but her charismatic storytelling ability paints brilliantly vivid pictures placing you right at the heart of the action.
However uninspiring Lexx says her life so far has been, ‘Lovely’ is a Merry-Go-Round of emotion, and I defy anyone to leave without a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Combined, her infectious personality, confident stage presence and excellent comedy technique make this show one of the best I have seen at the Fringe. It is a refreshing change not to be challenged by the material and laugh whole-heartedly and warmly at a comedian who obviously loves what she does.
This show is lovey big tub of Ronseal and does exactly what it says on the tin.
Simply Lovely.
★★★★
Laura Lexx performs 25th-30th August at 4.05pm in the Clover Room, Underbelly Med Quad (Venue 302). For more information click here!
