As we have mentioned a few times in the past we’ve wanted to catch Lauren in a live solo show ever since we saw her headline a mixed bill two years ago.

Between then and now the world kinda went to shit and this clown was one of many who had their plans utterly destroyed. She was incredibly transparent about what was going on over social media and I honestly can’t imagine how mentally you can go from being a performer-on-the-rise, planning a major tour and starting to get gigs on TV… to working in a Morrisons cafe!

Lauren talks about this in more (far funnier) detail during the show but it is wholly impressive to me how someone in that position can just take the hits and keep coming out for the next round ready to fight.

This was listed as a work-in-progress show but, other than an occasional glance down at her notes, you honestly couldn’t tell. Our clown gave us pretty much a fully finished show. In fact she may actually be looking to edit it down!

Starved of a live audience for most of the last two years this clown has certainly not been idle. This was a well crafted show packed full of honest, painful and hilarious material all delivered in the most heart felt fashion imaginable.

So if you are interested in finding out how you survive all of the above, what the Latin for sword sheath is or just answer the eternal question “what is a ketchup carrot?” I’d recommend getting hold of some tickets.

We don’t rate work-in-progress shows (because they are just that) but on potential alone “It Is What It Is” is clipping five stars already and we honestly can’t wait to see the finished product.

It’s great to see Lauren Pattison back on stage where she belongs.

Clown Stars: (-unrated-)

@ Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh