MBC Chats To: Ria Lina

Ria Lina is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and actor. Known for her fearless, high-energy comedy and sharp wit, you might recognise her from TV appearances including Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and Have I Got News For You? She also holds a PhD in Virology - so it's not surprising she did so well on Celebrity Mastermind.

After a fantastic Fringe run in 2025, she's bringing her latest tour show, Riabellion, back to Monkey Barrel Comedy on Thursday, February 19th at 19:30, so we sat down with her for a chat.

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Hey Ria, how’s your day going?

Great so far thanks! I got up, I wrote a joke, I went back to bed. Hard day’s work for a comedian.

You’re bringing Riabellion back to Monkey Barrel soon. If someone hasn’t had the chance to see your comedy before, what can they expect?

Well, at minimum that joke I wrote today. But also all the other jokes I wrote all the other days too. It’s smart comedy, I can’t hide that. There will be some learning, but amongst laughter, of course, and my comedy has been described as sharp. So if you like smart, sharp comedy - come along.

Your debut tour, Riawakening, was received brilliantly, making it onto The Telegraph’s top 10 stand up shows of the year. How would you characterise this show in relation to Riawakening?

I actually think this is a better show. Riawakening was my first tour and also the story of my life, marriage, kids… divorce. So it was a real throw everything at it type of show. This one has an arc, and a message and just some of the best routines I’ve written to date, I really enjoy doing this one.

Are there any clear through-lines between Riawakening and Riabellion, in terms of theme or narrative?

Hehe, yeah kinda. I am still a staunch feminist (but not in a men suck kind of way, but in a aren’t women amazing, kind of way), I am still very much a parent (that shit lasts 18 years minimum -did you know that??) and I am very much still divorced.

You had a great Fringe run with us last year. Did the show evolve significantly during your month here? If so, can you tell us a bit about the changes you made?

So I arrived with 3 previews and the show was all over the place and I knew I needed to get it in order by day 1. So it evolved RAPIDLY in that first week, but by the Friday it had settled into its shape and I spent the rest of the month just learning it and enjoying it and trying it on and just getting really comfortable in it. But because I couldn’t run over the hour the show was pretty locked in during the month. Now that it’s been on the road for a few months it has expanded a little so it’s about 70/75 mins (depending on how fun the audience is) and it’s really nicely bedded in. I would say it was the 4* show it got reviewed as during Fringe, and now it’s more 4.5* (would love to say 5* but you can’t give yourself 5 that’s just not cricket).

You’ve got a brilliantly energetic, commanding presence on stage. How much has your on-stage persona changed over the years (if at all)?

Well it’s interesting, I was talking about this with the fabulous Ian Stone the other day, and he was telling me about how he saw a distinct change in me about 4-5 years ago. He said it was a confidence/different posture when I was onstage. And I said, I actually felt like a stronger, more confident woman when I left my ex, and that directly translated into my comedy. Like I had been freed to express myself without restriction. I guess on some level I had been holding back/keeping myself small as a woman to placate my marriage - and once I left I had entered my ‘couldn’t give a shit, mate’ phase. And I’m still in it. 😂

Riabellion is all about breaking the rules, but are there any rules you swear by as a writer and performer?

Hmm this is a good question, I got into standup to NOT have to follow rules, to be free to say what I think needs saying and to set my own schedule and manage my own time. I think I am old enough in the game to not like to be paid till AFTER I’ve been onstage, that’s a little superstition a lot of us have, and I also think it’s for the headliner to thank the MC onstage. So often I see the open spot go up and the first thing they say is “give it up for the host”. No mate, you are a guest on the show and you haven’t even proven yet if you’re worth having back, don’t be patronising the MC as your opening gambit…

You’ve got a rare background for a comedian - a PhD in virology. Do you think that scientific training has shaped the way you analyse the world, or how you approach comedy?

Oh definitely, and you will see that in this show. I am always quoting science studies to back up my facts, or explaining some phenomenon of life (I do a rendition of Inside Out but with hormones in this show). I can’t escape it, it’s hardwired into how I see the world, and then want to communicate it to others.

Lastly, this new show is all about rebelling. Do you have a favourite (small) act of rebellion we can all try?

Yes, don’t apologise when someone bumps into you. I know it’s quintessentially British but it wasn’t your responsibility to ameliorate the situation. Also, if you are a woman walking down the street, DO NOT step aside and let people (men) pass or go out of your way so they can keep walking in a straight line. Stand your ground. Sometimes literally. I have often just stopped dead still and not moved and the look of surprise on the guy’s face that I haven’t let him pass, and he has to step around me. It’s a great moment.

P.S. Just so you know, the good guys always step around you because they are wired to make sure you are ok - probably a good test for when you’re dating someone to see if they’re a keeper. If they expect you to move - they will never do their fair share in the relationship, but if they move around you - I bet they also can talk about their feelings and ask you how your day has been. Winner.

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You can see Ria Lina: Riabellion at Monkey Barrel Comedy on February 19th at 7:30PM. Tickets are available at this link.