RIA LINA: RIAWAKENING
Wednesday 5th June - 8:00pm
at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre
“Engaging, endearing and eye-opening” Time Out
Ria Lina is a highly accomplished comedian, writer, actor and one of the hardest working performers in the business. After a critically acclaimed stand-out debut on Mock The Week (BBC), Ria has quickly become a household name seen regularly on shows such as Have I Got News For You (BBC) and Late Night Mash (Dave). Ria appeared for a second time in the most recent series of Live at the Apollo (BBC), hosting the second episode. A hugely admired act on the UK comedy circuit, this multi-award-winning artist commands respect from the moment she walks onstage and delivers with natural ease, energy and fierceness.
Following the global pandemic, Ria Lina, a distinguished scientist and the only Filipina comedian in British stand-up, unveils a fresh perspective on the world. In an extension of her eagerly awaited debut tour, Riawakening, Ria fearlessly tackles the challenges of post-pandemic life, navigating the new normal, relationships in a digital era, the complexities of motherhood, and what it really means to be a woman today. In December, the show was included in The Telegraph’s list of the ‘10 best comedy shows to see in 2024’.
“Her shows come from a place of deep intelligence [...], that she wears lightly and with huge laughs” The Crack
Ria has earned recognition as one of The Evening Standard's 'Hottest Comedians You Should Be Watching Now,' a testament to her enduring impact on the comedy scene. Over the course of her career, Ria has taken five shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, tackling topics such as autism, current affairs, and racial identity. With an illustrious career spanning stage, screen, radio, and even the ukulele, Ria Lina's distinctive style has earned her accolades from critics, with The Scotsman describing her as "fearless, provocative, and very funny."
“Lina works hard at whatever she does, whether showbiz or academia, and has always been ridiculously gifted. Now everyone will have the chance to see that she is at her best being funny.” Evening Standard
Beyond comedy, Ria's academic achievements are equally exceptional. Holding a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science, and a PhD in Virology, and with experience working in IT Forensics at the Serious Fraud Office, it’s not only Ria’s comedy that’s highly intelligent. A regular pundit on Sky News, BBC News, Times Radio and TalkTV, Ria is in demand for both her scientific insight, confident delivery and biting wit.
Ria is also passionate about being neurodivergent and increasing the visibility of neurodivergent talent within the entertainment industry.
“Sharp as a tack and with a scientific bent that underpins her charming demeanour” The Comedian’s Comedian With Stuart Goldsmith
A prolific writer, Ria has lent her talents to projects like the Ladyboys of Bangkok's 'Fantasy & Feathers' and 'Glamorous Amorous' tours. Additionally, she wrote and performed in the ITV2 comedy sketch show Meet the Blogs and presented her own documentary on Channel 4, dispelling myths surrounding East Asian women in Britain.
Ria’s extensive list of TV credits also include Pointless Celebrities (BBC), Lovestruck High (Amazon Prime), The Last Leg (C4), Richard Osmond’s House of Games (BBC), Unforgivable (Dave), Question Team (Dave), The Jeremy Vine Show (Channel 5) and many more. You can also hear Ria on The News Quiz (BBC), Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Podcast, The Now Show (BBC), Best Medicine (BBC), Drunk Women Solving Crime & much more.
Tickets on sale at the Taunton Visitor Centre