Laura Davis
Published: Tuesday 21st May 2019
One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's acclaimed Aussie is Laura Davis, who has a couple of UK runs upcoming; one south, one north.
First, she brings her award-winning show Ghost Machine to London's Soho Theatre in June, having revived it for last year's Edinburgh Fringe. The show "is a one-hour existential crisis, performed live, by a ghost," Davis explains. "I spend an hour performing comedy on life and what it means to exist whilst standing inside an Ikea duvet cover with eye holes cut out."
Haunting. Then in August she's back at the Fringe with Better Dead Than a Coward, which is one heck of a title.
"I like saying it so much," she admits. "I wrote my last show Cake in the Rain in 2017 so it's been 18 months since I had to pick a title. I find naming the work the hardest part of writing, I always do it last. You have to find something that captures the spirit of the show. I was going over the material that I had for it, trying to pin it down and realised that it's a lot about fear and courage, in its many incarnations. So I called it Better Dead Than a Coward after a personal mantra of mine."
Does it come in handy?
"I say it to myself a dozen times a day whenever I don't want to do something I'm afraid of. Sort of my own bastardised version of the many quotes out there about how 'it is better to die than live in fear' and 'some people fear death so much they never start living.' It sounds far more valorous than it is perhaps. It's a mantra I have had to use less riding into battle as often as 'buying emergency groceries at the corner shop with the angry shopkeeper that frightens me.'"
We all have our demons. Laura Davis, your Random 8 await.
What's the best movie that most people have never heard of?
Marabunta/Legion of Fire: Killer Ants. A man fires a gun at ants.
The weirdest place you've ever lived?
Perth, Western Australia, where I grew up. It's the most isolated city in the world. There's a very specific culture there that's hard to describe.
The greatest email you ever received?
One from a man who was asking me to book him for a gig at my comedy club. He said he'd never done stand-up before but knew he had 25 minutes of material. He said his comedy was in the style of Bill Hicks. He included a YouTube link as an example of his work. The link was to a one-hour Bill Hicks special.
Your most impressive sporting moment?
I imagine there's some sort of five year-old egg and spoon race that I probably peaked at.
What's the best thing you ever wrote?
I was six and in my first year of school. I wrote an eight-page fantasy story about the tooth fairy with multiple plot twists and a deus ex machina ending. I got a gold sticker from the principal and a photocopy to take home to my parents. I've been chasing that same high ever since.
Your most memorable fall?
An old man started groping me while I was on board a miniature novelty train and I fell out and rolled along beside it while clutching a 15kg bag of sausages.
What's your favourite device?
Dramatic Irony. It's a great literary device.
The stupidest thing you ever bought?
A chandelier. I live out of a suitcase.
Ghost Machine is at the Soho Theatre from 20-22 June. Info & Tickets
Better Dead than a Coward is the Bob's Blundabus at the Edinburgh Fringe from 1-25 August. Info & Tickets
Help us publish more great content by becoming a BCG Supporter. You'll be backing our mission to champion, celebrate and promote British comedy in all its forms: past, present and future.
We understand times are tough, but if you believe in the power of laughter we'd be honoured to have you join us. Advertising doesn't cover our costs, so every single donation matters and is put to good use. Thank you.
Love comedy? Find out more