LIVE REVIEW: Laufey at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Credit : Nicole Mago

Magandjin/Brisbane audiences have been counting down the minutes until whimsical songstress Laufey returned to our stages. Following the success of her third studio album ‘A Matter Of Time’ and the release of her first children's book ‘Mei Mei The Bunny’, her career continues to bloom and bloom. Last time she visited, the audience size was 1,800. Tonight we’re in the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) surrounded by ~13,000 people.

The energy in the room was both buzzy and shy. Fans flitted around the venue with handmade accessories and bright-eyed anticipation, just in time for the touring support artist Leonie Biney.

The UK-based singer-songwriter cleverly curated a sense of familiarity on the arena stage. Against the crimson curtain backdrop, Leonie and her band performed in a make-shift living room filled with rugs, florals and vintage lampshades. The set mirrored this duality, as moments of gentle acoustic spotlights developed into an anthemic singalong finale. A giddy hum swept across the almost filled room, as did torch lights and excited new fans.

Which leads me to a question I need to ask: where is the local opener? As a fan, the introduction to amazing local talent is an unforgettable experience. As an artist/band, this same moment can be career changing. In 2026, the Queensland Government announced booking fee discounts (at state-owned venues including the BEC) for productions that hire QLD artists as openers. This tour likely predates the changes, and it is a loss for fans and artists alike. 

Teenage excitement (and impatience) filled the air through the 40-minute changeover. The crowd kept themselves entertained through singalongs, a surprisingly long run of “the wave”, pockets of “67” gestures and cheers of excitement, particularly as Mei Mei The Bunny made an appearance.

Finally, the grand overture began. Sweeping spotlights circled the room as old-hollywood-film-style opening credits projected on the screens. The stage was bookended by a world class multi-instrumentalist band. In true Laufey style, it felt like stepping into a nostalgic, magical universe. Thus began her grandiose five-act epic.

Credit : Nicole Mago

Act I was characterised by whimsy and playful theatrics. Laufey gracefully stepped through a centre-stage archway in a pale yellow, tulle dress, whilst four talented dancers twirled around her. She giggled over the dress choice, saying she was inspired to match the sun after learning that Brisbane was sandwiched between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. Everything from the choreography to the screen and set design mirrored the clock-face theme. I particularly enjoyed the sequence that synced up to the chimes of ‘Clockwork’. 

Act II marked the jazz portion of the show. My personal highlight. At the edge of the stage appeared the incredible trio (soon to be quartet), who Laufey strutted to meet. Her original dress’s tulle was replaced by flapper-inspired fringe as she reimagined jazz classics and her own songs with dazzling musicality. The renditions of ‘Valentine’ and ‘Fragile’ were my personal favourites. They were filled with tasty accents, interesting melodic changes and some perfectly placed rallentandos that felt oh-so-satisfying.

It quickly became apparent that many of the concertgoers weren’t aware of the jazz club etiquette (you know, less clapping along, more applause for solos). I was a little relieved when Laufey joked, “Guys, I love you but you’re not clapping on the beat…” Though I did get the sense that the audience grew a little timid after that.

Credit : Nicole Mago

Lauvers (the fandom’s name) are as passionate and creative as Laufey herself, which is how the “best dressed” segment was born. The crowd was glittered with handmade crowns, flowing skirts and bows, so I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task to choose just one person. Mei Mei The Bunny reappeared to crown Brisbane’s winner, Bella, while Laufey gushed over her self-made nail artwork and flowy blue gown. It’s a thoughtful way to connect with fans and celebrate their creativity.

Act III was filled with emotional crescendo, celebration of classical music and a testament to Laufey’s Icelandic roots. The two pieces I was most excited to hear live played one after the other: ‘Forget-Me-Not’ and ‘Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude)’. The orchestral arrangements swelled through the arena as Laufey and her sister Junia joined the band on cello and violin respectively. I’ve never missed playing in an orchestra more. 

Act IV felt crafted by Laufey, for Laufey, as she explored themes of self-discovery and authenticity. Her attire blended the same vintage cabaret silhouettes with embellishments that celebrate her Chinese heritage. The music reflected many mid-20s moments - the times you sought affection from someone only to realise they’re more problematic than “cool”, the process of learning to love yourself while navigating body image issues and societal expectations, letting go of misaligned loves, friendships and everything in between.

Credit : Nicole Mago

Her pop-star energy shone bright in this section. A couple of songs were performed at the piano, but she spent the rest of her time swirling around the stage. I was impressed at how naturally she performed the two-hour show’s worth of choreography, though maybe I shouldn’t have been. She is a theatre kid after all, just as much as she is an orchestra kid. I will say, I giggled at the crowd's reaction to one particular body roll in ‘Tough Luck’. I didn’t think it was risqué, but the audible “oh” was a funny reminder of what it was like to be an awkward teenager.

In the final act of the show, Laufey shared a heartfelt encouragement to artists within the audience. “What sets you apart is what’s going to make you shine.” It’s a thoughtful transition into a gentle finale as she sang, ‘A Letter To My 13 Year Old Self’.

They say you should grow into the adult your child self would be proud of. Inner-child healing has been a throughline in Laufey’s works, and it makes her music and live show feel that much more meaningful. She encourages her fans to take up space and is a beacon of success for multi-passionate creatives everywhere. It’s always amazing to witness Laufey’s world-class blend of jazz, classical, pop and theatre, and believe me, this tour took her artistry to the next level.