You’ll be glad we told you about this up-and-coming Geordie comedian, Lauren Pattison

Can you tell us more about your experience as a young woman working in comedy, a relatively male-dominated industry? 

I think you do have to work that bit harder. A bloke can walk on stage and most people would think, let’s give him a chance! But when a woman walks out there’s still sadly some people, (by no means everyone) who’ll roll their eyes and assume you’re not going to be good just because you’re a woman. You’re often battling with those preconceptions people have, which isn’t ideal. Then if you do get a good opportunity, there can be the assumption that ‘you only got that because you’re a woman.’ People rarely seem to assume men in comedy only got a job because of being a man. Also, as you’re often the only woman on the bill you can sometimes feel the odd one out. But, if you’re with a good group of comics in a green room, they won’t exclude you.

You were meant to be at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer with your show Party Of One, can you tell us a little about what it’s about and what inspired it, in the hopes we’ll get see it very soon! 

It was meant to be about loneliness, which feels ironic after finding ourselves in a pandemic, cut off from loved ones. It was brought about because I felt there’s a lot of talk about older people and loneliness but less so about younger people. Plenty of us are on our own in new cities, living with unsociable strangers in flat shares and unsure how to make new connections, particularly if you have a busy work life. I moved to London alone, I didn’t know anyone and the nature of being a full-time circuit comic is you’re often different places every night, so I was struggling to form friendships. My shows are always intrinsically linked to my real life so I don’t know if I’ll ever write the exact show I was planning now, as my life has changed a lot, but I think some elements of it will definitely be there.

You moved back to Newcastle for good early on in the pandemic, what have you enjoyed about being back? 

I love being back in Newcastle—what we lack in warm weather, we make up for in warmth from people. I connect with people up here way better, like-minded folk and all that. It’s better for my mental health and creativity all in one. They’re my kind of people here.

As a woman in comedy, do you ever feel you have to stick to ‘female-esque’ topics? Or do you throw out the rule book? 

Of course, there are things that might be more relatable or accessible to women, but I never like to think, ‘Oh I’m going to alienate the men if I talk about this, only girls will find this funny.’ I try to have enough faith in my writing and humour that I can make a joke that will be enjoyed by anyone, even if it’s not about something they can directly relate to. And if they don’t? Then there’s another joke in a few seconds, hopefully, they’ll enjoy that one more. The sooner we learn we can’t please everyone all the time, the better! 

As well as Katherine, which female comedians inspire you? Are there any new female acts we should check out?

There are easily a hundred I could tell you to check out, but the more I recommend the more hurtful it is for the great ones who get left out! Sara Pascoe, Aisling Bea and Sarah Millican inspire me hugely, in terms of household name comics. When it comes to the talent you may not know about yet, you should look out for Louise Young, Laura Lexx, Olga Koch and Thanyia Moore. 

What makes you proud of being a Geordie? 

I think there’s a real grafting, solid work ethic instilled in us, we’re not afraid of hard work and I’m so proud of that. We work for what we want because it’s not handed to most of us up here, which makes achievements all the greater. I love the sense of community, we look after our own and champion those who do well—I remember seeing Sam Fender in Newcastle last year and the crowd was electric. I’ve never been in an audience quite like it. You could feel the pride and the support in the air, it was really special. It sounds a cliché but it’s a friendly place, there’s no humour like a good Geordie sense of humour. I feel being from here is so intrinsic to my identity—I love the slang, the colloquialisms, it’s a community, it’s a way of life.

It’s Sunday today, tell us about your ideal Sunday – are you a PJs and Netflix type of gal, or do you head out for a walk and a Sunday lunch? 

As a circuit comic, my Sundays were usually spent travelling back from a gig somewhere and were a bit of a write-off, but I loved getting a Sunday all to myself, something about them just feels so indulgent! If I had to plan a dream one, it would be a lie-in, a late breakfast and then if it’s cold, chilling in my joggers watching movies, or if it’s nice weather heading out for a walk and a pint somewhere. Then a big Sunday lunch or cooked meal—some proper comfort food for tea. Ideal!

We know you’ve not long returned to Newcastle, but is there anywhere you’re excited to head to for a cuppa when this is over? 

Oh my goodness, The Butterfly Cabinet in Heaton. I used to go there when I was at uni and the pancakes are iconic. I would very, very much like some of those warm fluffy pancakes as soon as possible. 

Follow Lauren on Instagram

Photographer credit: Andy Hollingworth