Getting to Know…Lauren Bok!
Headshot of Lauren with feathers and jewels around neck and face, performing on stage.
Photography by Alexis D Lea Photography
Between the two worlds of burlesque and comedy, a fine “Jester of Burlesque” rises to the occasion of giving you both butterflies in your stomach, and the ability to snort-laugh at the same time.
Being a multifaceted performer, there are many sides of Lauren.
We meet Lauren - the award winning stand up comedian with big attitude, big energy and big face. Having performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Perth FringeWorld and Edinburgh Fringe, Lauren has aquired a rolodex of hosting and comedic appearances throughout the world, creating joy everywhere she turns/
Then we meet Ivana Showoff - the ravenous burlesque artist with a heart of gold, and legs to boot. Proving she’s fierce competition in the 2023 edition of Mx Burlesque Victoria, you can find Ivana galavanting in the evenings as a frequent Burlesque Showboat host.
We sat down with Lauren and asked some “hard hitting” questions…
What is your favourite thing about being a burlesque performer?
The energy. When you do something on stage, the crowd response is like a wall of sound and it hits you, and you have to do something with it so you throw it back at them like a hot potato. When I create my acts, I always look for how to generate as many walls of sound as I possibly can. It's delicious!
How would you describe your unique style? Has it always been like that?
My style is comedy, clown, big face, silly, both clever and dumb. It absolutely has always been like this, though over time my skillset in other aspects - dance and costume - has enhanced what I started with. I get told I am a unique performer that does things differently, but for me, my style is very logical to me. I'm just doing what I think is funny! I like to be the burlesque I would want to see - funny, vaudeville, classic comedy, engaging with my audience from the first step on stage and following my clown nose to any moments of surprise, delight and joy.
Who are your burlesque icons?
Mae West is a huge icon both in burlesque and comedy for me, in general. But since I consider myself still relatively new I find following burlesque artists and seeing what they do incredibly inspirational. On the socials I love Media Noche, Valerie Va Va Valentine (if ya nice), Kitty Obsidian and Bettie Bombshell (if ya nasty), and Imogen Kelly and Ruby Slippers (if ya silly). Recently I've seen Ginger Valentine and she's an incredible artist that gives a lot of cool advice!
Where do you gain your inspiration from?
Music. I find a piece of music starts rolling around in my head and a scenario will start to formulate. Sometimes it's like a piece of sketch comedy, or a costume reveal or punchline, or the way the music is composed will lend itself to a funny reveal or moment. I just listen to it over and over and then it will swill around until it crystallizes, and then I just can't help but begin to work on it, if only to get it out of my head!
What advice do you have for new and emerging performers?
You're funnier, sexier, more fierce, more confident and more brave than you think you are! Stop getting in your own way and just go for it - done is better than perfect, and nothing is ever perfect so be done with perfect! Ivana love you anyway you are, darlinghk!
You can catch Lauren’s ‘Comedy Strippers’ Showcase class at the Term 4 Cherry Poppers Showcase October — Maison Burlesque!
Photography by Alexis D Lea Photography
Photography by Alexis D Lea Photography