Laura Davis: Ghost Machine

• Brian Donaldson
• 5 August 2018

credit. Prakash Daniel

A spirited show about identity and mortality. Possibly . . .

Comedians are constantly wearing a second skin to deflect attention away from the real person on that stage. Usually this step is taken metaphorically but Australian comedian Laura Davis has gone the whole hog, and for her new hour's bulk, is wearing a white sheet that covers her entire body. Two eyeholes are cut out which, with a slight adjustment, also doubles as an orifice so she can rehydrate throughout. Before you think the KKK have stormed the Fringe, fear not, the title Ghost Machine should give the game away.

There's something going on about hiding your true self; perhaps a comment on the women who have finally come out of hiding to tell their scary tales of abuse? Davis herself reckons that men are more likely to listen to a ghost doing comedy than a woman.

But mortality is also at stake, and we are all permanently close to 'existing' in the spirit realm. 'Why haven't you killed yourself?' she asks a few members of the audience in a move which might suggest callousness but is merely teasing out what people want to live for. A fascinating show with a message buried in there somewhere and, happily, a lot of laughs from this rising stand-up star.

Underbelly, Cowgate, until 26 Aug (not 13), 5.40pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50).