Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Lauren Bok

Not one to be prudish, comedian Lauren Bok gets it all off her chest for a risque night out.

Lauren Bok.

What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

Tits and d---s. I’ve been dabbling in burlesque and I’ve had to warn my close family members that the first five minutes of the show are a delight to audiences, but will be deeply confronting for them.

The rest of the show is d--- jokes dressed up as pithy, witty insights.

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What have you been up to since last time you were here?

After my second solo show at Comedy Festival in 2018, Between a Bok and a Hard Place, ended, I joined the local cemetery trust because it looks good on a resume, but I got caught in a political snafu that resulted in the treasurer, Gary, attempting a coup to remove lamingtons from the menu from our general meetings.

When Gary mysteriously died from acute desiccated coconut-related injuries, people started asking questions so I thought it best to tender my resignation.

So now I’m back. Yay comedy.

Who should see your show, and why?

Literally anyone but a member from Gary’s or my own family.

It’s about kids, ovaries, sex, polyamory, mime, rock and roll, Escape (The Pina Colada Song) and chairs. In that order.

What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?

Arrive early, stay late, see everything, you can sleep when you’re dead (in May).

Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?

Amy Hetherington — super funny, super fun, will leave you with a big ol’ smile and a sore belly from laughing.

The Breast of the Fest — brilliant collection of great comedic voices in Melbourne.

Jude Pearl — funny, charming and what a voice.

Fern Brady — she’s hilarious, candid and cool.

Joe Lycett — he has the best show title in the Festival, great insights and delivery.

Martin Dunlop — Small Tales of Little Mercy — dark, physical comedy that’s delightfully wicked.

What do you love about Melbourne?

I love Melbourne at this time of year, when people are still trying to wear shorts, and by the end of Comedy Festival we’re all bundled into our winter coats and ready to scurry back to our hives for winter.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

Any time a man falls up stairs. NOT DOWN. UP.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

Just another gentle reminder of the partial nudity.

LAUREN BOK, ROCK OUT WITH YOUR BOK OUT, APRIL 8-21, CROWDED IN THE VAULTS: VAULT 12. BOOK TICKETS