Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Ria Lina: Riabellion

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 10 Aug 2025 Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire) Show Dates: 28 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

Ria Lina: Riabellion somehow blends whip–sharp intellect with feral mania in an accessible routine covering everything from motherhood to crime – two subjects that, in Ria’s view, are often interwoven.

Whip–sharp intellect with feral mania

Between bemoaning her layabout teenagers and divorced husband – all of whom have the audacity to still live in her house – she delivers a self-aware and powerful performance. Her comedy chops clearly come from stand-up, and she works the room extremely well from the start.

This is a solid stand-up routine: well attended, amusing, and not necessarily breaking new ground – but it doesn’t need to. It feels grounded and has room to grow.

Where Ria truly shines is in a facet all boys recognise: mums are scary. Ria Lina: Riabellion is not a helicopter mum; she is a high-tech, missile-laden, covert-ops attack helicopter mother – and the best part is, she knows it.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Following her killer debut tour last year, the 'fearless, provocative, and very funny' Ria Lina (Scotsman) realises that she is ready to rebel. Named by the Evening Standard as one of the Hottest Comedians You Should Be Watching Now, expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules. From Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, News Quiz, Live at the Apollo and Pointless. Top 10 Best Stand-up Shows of 2024 – Telegraph. ‘Ridiculously gifted’ (Evening Standard).