Lou Taylor is a comedian who has been making online sketches for five years and has performing as a stand-up since 2020. She made the semi-finals of the Funny Women competition, has been shortlisted for a BBC Comedy Award, and is a graduate of the Soho Theatre Comedy Lab Plus. Having performed at the Fringe previously in a successful split-bill, she brings her debut solo hour ‘Jeans and a nice top’ to Edinburgh in August. We spoke to Lou about the show, flyering, more flyering, a bit more flyering, and her comedy heroes.
Can you tell us about ‘Jeans and a nice top?’
‘Jeans and a nice top’ is my debut show about growing up in the ’90s and early ’00s. It’s fun, silly, and nostalgic. I really seem to be obsessed with this time period so I delve into the whys of that. There are funny videos, as well as stand-up and storytelling so a little something for everyone. It has gone down really well with audiences so far.
For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your comedy style and approach to performance?
My comedy style is observational, often exaggerated. I like to see the funny in everything, and will be very honest about myself onstage. I think it’s important to enjoy it and have a laugh and I think that comes across.
Your show deals with coming of age in the ’90s. What’s your favourite piece of ’90s nostalgia that would mean nothing to the generation that came after?
It has to be Blockbuster Video… RIP. I miss that place. My happiest memories are wandering around Blockbuster trying to choose a film to rent that night. We have so much access to films now because of streaming sites. It was so exciting to go out and find a film to watch, it made the whole process into an occasion. Nowadays I am watching films that have just come out on my phone on the train. I don’t think Oppenheimer was meant to be seen on an iPhone13.
Who are your heroes, the people who inspired you to get into comedy?
I was a big fan of Smack the Pony growing up. I started out in comedy writing and making sketches as that’s what I loved doing. Stand-up came later when I tried it and realised how much I enjoyed it! I also used to work at The Bill Murray (a comedy club in London) and watched so many amazing stand-ups there, I was always inspired. I especially loved seeing female stand ups like Lou Sanders and Fern Brady.
‘Jeans and a nice top,’ is your debut full-length Edinburgh show. What are your hopes and expectations for the month?
To be the next Bond girl! JOKE! (Hilariously that was my ambition as a teenager which I talk about in the show). In all seriousness I really just want to have fun, and show people what I am about. My show is a laugh so I just want as many people to see it as possible. I’m also hoping not to have a breakdown… Wish me luck!
You performed at the Fringe in 2022 in a split-bill with Katie Norris. What for you were the best and worst things about your Fringe experience?
The best thing was having someone go through the experience with you and the shows were so fun, we had some really lovely audiences. Katie and I had a laugh. I ate loads of good jacket potatoes! The worst was the incessant flyering BUT Katie is a really good flyerer. Honestly, it’s beautiful to watch her flyer. I started out being a terrible flyerer, and after some lessons from her I was amazing by the end. It really is an art form.
Beside ‘Jeans and a nice top’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?
On the street with my flyers ;). I will, I am sure, do some mixed bills but I have been so busy working on the show I haven’t organised yet but I will advertise them on my Insta @loutaylortrash nearer the time.
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?
Rob Copland, Katie Norris, Alexandra Haddow, Will Robbins, and Rich Spalding are all brilliant! Also go to random shows when someone gives you a flyer, sometimes they are the best. Sorry I have talked so much about flyering, maybe deep down that is why I am going back to keep working on the craft.
‘Jeans and a nice top‘ is at Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three from Wed 31 Jul to Sun 2 Aug 2024 (except Mon 12)
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