Heartbreak, Hijinks and One Very Unhinged Heroine - Lolo’s Boyfriend Show

Lolo’s Boyfriend Show blends sharp comedy with rapid-fire storytelling in a one-woman whirlwind of fast costume changes and vivid characters. Brought to the Edinburgh Fringe by New York-based performer Lauren O’Brien, the show takes audiences on a wild ride through the messy, hilarious, and heartfelt world of modern romance—set against the backdrop of a failed career and a childhood bedroom full of dashed dreams.

We spoke to Lauren O’Brien ahead of the show’s run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How would you describe Lolo’s Boyfriend Show to someone who’s never seen it before?

Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is a soul-baring solo show… kinda like a modern Lucille Ball meets It’s a Wonderful Life (if the life wasn’t that wonderful). Lolo wants nothing more than to be loved and successful, but (as her mom points it) she’s a total loser. Hijinx, humor and horror ensue as Lolo falls down the rabbit hole of boyfriends past. Also, did I mention that Lolo was honored to win the Audience Choice Award at the New York City Fringe Festival? She did!

Lolo’s story is inspired by your own life but has taken on a life of its own. What was it like creating her character?

Creating Lolo’s character was a total blast!! Personally, I strive to overcome my derelict tendencies in order to be an upstanding citizen. I pay my bills on time. I respect other people. And I’m pretty aware of my flaws (I try anyway). But Lolo is completely and fabulously unhinged! She follows her feelings and whims with limited awareness and zero sense of danger. She couldn’t spot a red flag if someone came entirely wrapped in one! So it’s insanely fun to play her. Much of her development came from me magnifying my own flaws (fine! Lolo and I do overlap… a little…) and seeing how far we could take them. I asked “What would happen if I really let myself fall in love at first site?” “As often as possible?” “What would happen if I ignored my inner compass completely?” “And the entirety of my self-worth was based on the opinions of others?” “What if I was raised entirely by Hollywood movies?” “What was the craziest one-night-stand/S&M exploration that I ever had…I mean… that I can imagine Lolo having!?” It’s been the wildest creative process. I’m a little jealous of myself that I’ve gotten to create her…

You play 18 different characters! How do you keep all those personalities straight on stage?

I love this question so much! I started developing each character technically: how do they move? What do they want? What do they wear? And gradually, I just let them play! It’s become a magical experience. I feel the characters moving in and out of me. And, as I change characters, my emotional life transforms! I feel one character’s righteous anger morph into another character’s terror and self-protection. At this point, it’s like part of me is watching them act through me.

The staging and costumes help a lot. We built this show meticulously. It’s like… we built a roller coaster, and when its time to perform all the characters get on, we press go, and have a wild ride…full of ups, downs, tears and laughter! I love it every time.

What’s your favourite scene or character to perform?

I love them all… it’s like asking who my favorite child is! Most of the characters have so much humor in them, it’s beyond a pleasure to perform. They include: a Psychic from Brooklyn, a self-obsessed actor with a teeny wheeny, and an enlightened Yogi with sticky fingers. But (spoiler alert), about two-thirds in, the show takes a bit of a dark turn. Lolo is forced to face her demons. I spend so much of my “real life” trying NOT to get pulled into the darkness…there’s an odd pleasure in letting myself (I mean Lolo) get pulled into the underworld. 

The show deals with heartbreak but also self-reinvention. What do you hope audiences take away from Lolo’s story?

I want audience members to fall in love with themselves! So many of us judge ourselves so harshly. But maybe if audiences can give Lolo grace while watching her make terrible mistakes, they can do the same for themselves. I also hope audiences are inspired to take a beautiful step forward in their own lives after meeting Lolo. Maybe someone will start writing their novel, plant a garden, leave an abusive relationship, or make travel plans. I hope Lolo helps others to live more fully!

What advice would you give someone who’s had a string of bad dates like Lolo?

Focus on yourself! Other than romance, what really gets your blood pumping? Music? Mountain climbing? Neuroscience? Is there a long-term project that makes your cells dance? There is so much power in building the most magnificent life outside of romance! And, when we are living our passions, we become irresistibly attractive. Suddenly, you’ll find that an actual decent human being is courting you (they do still exist!). But you won’t care as much as you did before. Because you’ll know that your happiness and fulfillment come from within. And that will make your new suitor work even harder to win you… which will be loads of fun! That’s my formula. Enjoy!

Lolo’s Boyfriend Show plays at theSpaceUK @ Surgeons Hall, Haldane Theatre, 1–16 August (not 10), 20:30 (21:25). Book your ticket at https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lolo-s-boyfriend-show