Riki Lindhome has starred in Netflix’s Wednesday, CBS’s Big Bang Theory and is one half of Garfunkel & Oates alongside her long-time friend and fellow actor Kate Micucci. Now, she is expanding her career further with her debut stage show, Dead Inside. The show is equally as funny as it is emotional as Riki reflects on the challenges she has faced on her journey to motherhood. She will be performing her new show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.
Your show Dead Inside pairs poignant personal stories with music and jokes. Do you think comedy helps deal with trauma?
I think for a lot of people, it does. For me, I find it easier to process traumatic events when I can find anything funny or ridiculous about them. But hopefully, my show is more funny than it is sad for the audience.
How have you mentally prepared to open up about difficult topics on a stage in front of a crowd of people?
I’m basically in denial about it before the show. I make myself focus on the technical aspects of performing— the sound, the graphics, getting the words right, etc. Then after the show, I’m always like, wow, that was a lot.
How has your approach to work – especially touring – changed since you’d had your son?
I’ve had to get much better at time management. I’ve still been able to perform, just not as much, and I’ve sort of let go of the social aspect of performing. I used to go out with all the comedians after shows and now I go straight home because I have to wake up so early. And when I tour, I usually take him with me.
You’ve been collaborating with Kate Micucci for over a decade now with Garfunkel and Oates. What’s it like working with your friend and do you have any upcoming projects planned together?
Being part of Garfunkel and Oates has been the most fun and transformative experience of my life. I love collaboration. Kate and I got to share the highs and lows of comedy and also see the world together. We don’t currently have any projects lined up but we would love to make more things together in the future.
What will you be getting up to in your spare time in Edinburgh when you’re not performing?
I’m bringing my two-year-old son with me so I plan to take him to as many kid-friendly shows as possible. I’m excited for him to get to have this experience and hopefully, he will love live theatre as much as I do.
Riki Lindhome – Dead Inside will be performed at 5pm at the Pleasance Courtyard (Beneath) from 31st July – 25th August (not 14th).
Booking Link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/riki-lindhome-dead-inside