Lauren Pattison has always been a high achiever and had grand plans for 2020. After taking a break from the Fringe in 2019, she scheduled her first tour and was expecting a proposal from her long term boyfriend. But, 2020 had other ideas. A year after she played to 3000 people in the Sydney Opera House she found herself single, unemployed and living in her childhood bedroom in Newcastle. But, Pattison is a grafter (she memorably completed her set outdoors at a previous Fringe when the fire alarm went off mid-show) and is back with fire in her belly and a cracking show. 

Many comics have a ‘pandemic hour’ this year but few will be able to deliver their material with such delight, warmth and humour as Pattison in It Is What It Is. While many of her privileged contemporaries were able to take a break with the help of wealthy parents, the comedian was using her family connections to get a job at Morrisons. There is still an odd stigma about having a ‘day job’ in the arts but Pattison takes it in her stride and uses her experience of working in the supermarket as great material. 

Pattison performs the early afternoon show with a relentless pace and an infectious energy. Laughs are plentiful but the show is also well crafted and bloody clever. If you’re worried about audience interaction, fear not. The comedian’s anxiety means she will never pick on you or even make eye contact if you’re in the front row.

You can tell that despite the blows life dealt her in the past two years the stand-up is settled in herself, with her decision to move back to her hometown and is excited for what the future holds. And I for one can’t wait to see what’s next.