On the Couch with Laura Davis

Laura Davis Arts Review On the Couch photo by James PenlidisWho is Laura Davis?
Laura Davis is a woman who hates talking about herself in the third person. She’s a stand-up comedian best known for her unusual take on the craft. Her new show Marco. Polo. debuts at this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival with the help of the Moosehead Awards. Blindfolded, earmuffed and yet keenly aware, Laura takes her audience on a journey of trust. That’s if there’s anyone even there!

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’m not sure. Whenever I think about that question I always get stuck between thinking that I should try to enjoy more leisurely things such as baking cookies and walking in the park, or less, with a ruthlessly regimented schedule of personal improvement. I can’t tell if I want to be a better person or have a better day, basically.

Who inspires you and why?
I know so many dear and lovely people, fortunately from working in the comedy industry. I love watching my friends write a joke, edit it, hone it, change it completely and then start again each night. It’s fun to watch.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I like to think that I’m able to make a small difference through performing. Sneakily sliding people new concepts/ideas and challenging accepted opinions is what I get to do every night onstage if I’m lucky. I’d like to do more of it, if I could. The medium of comedy is very powerful and very frustrating. You can sway people’s thinking more if you can make them laugh but you’re also bound in by the fact that you have to land a punchline at least every twenty five seconds whilst trying to dismantle the status quo. Maybe I’ll start doing more silly dances whilst shouting about the evils of private newspapers.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
As an independent artist I don’t really know what a holiday is, but sometimes I take my laptop to the park. When I’m touring I like to find time to go to the modern art galleries and the beach. If I have a spare day in Sydney I beg my friends to take me hiking in the Blue Mountains. I saw a lyrebird and a  little crayfish in a waterfall there once so that’s probably my favourite.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I love taking friends on a cafe crawl around Fitzroy for a few nice coffees and treats and walks through the park. Unless it’s raining, which it probably is.

What are you currently reading?
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene and also my planner diary over and over again but I still keep missing appointments. Learning about the infinite terrors and possibilities of the universe provides some pretty good perspective on a missed scale and clean, though.

What are you currently listening to?
A thunking and a scurrying in the ceiling above my bed. I think it’s rats. Too fast to be a possum.

Happiness is?
Not always found where people expect it. I just bought a new rug the other week. I’ve never owned a rug and before this day I never would have thought that I was the type of person who could be made happy by a rug. But I’m laying on it now and it’s definitely working.

What does the future hold for you?
At this moment I’m going to finish answering some emails, water my bonsai trees and walk to get a coffee at my favourite cafe. Beyond that I don’t know, but the present is pleasant enough right now so I’ll try to focus on that. Maybe I should deal with those rats.

Laura’s new show, Marco. Polo. will be presented at the Games Room – ACMI: 24 March – 17 April as part of the 2016 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au or www.lauradaviscomedy.com for details.

Image: Laura Davis – photo by James Penlidis