Riki Lindhome's latest show, Dead Inside, currently running at the Soho Theatre in London, delivers a gobsmacking and emotionally involving comedy that delves into her personal fertility journey. The unassuming US comedian and musician transforms her experiences with pregnancy loss, IVF, and surrogacy into a beautifully judged hour of entertainment.
A Refreshing Take on Trauma-Comedy
In recent years, trauma-comedy has become a staple at fringe festivals, often leaving audiences feeling jaded. However, Lindhome's Dead Inside wholly refreshes the form with its modest and demure approach. From the outset, she acknowledges the discomfort of the subject matter, yet the show proves to be funny, entertaining, and deeply engaging.
Key Elements of the Production
Something crucial about Dead Inside is its lack of self-importance. Few autobiographical shows feel less "me, me, me" than this one. Lindhome signs off most of her songs with a simple "that's it," and the production values are unassuming, including a disembodied hand operating a bubble machine from the wings. This humility allows the raw and honest storytelling to shine.
Lindhome would prefer not to be recounting tales of frozen embryos, failed IVF attempts, seven surgeries in a single year, untimely relationship breakups, and being deemed an "undesirable candidate" for adoption. The latter story is particularly striking, as she falls foul of her Google presence, which includes smutty and sacrilegious songs from her duo Garfunkel and Oates.
Witty and Bittersweet Musical Numbers
The show features a series of witty and bittersweet songs that add depth and humour to the narrative. One number parodies Disney princesses, reflecting Lindhome's work on an animated movie during her pregnancy struggles. Another asks, "will you be my bio-dad?" while detours into The Sound of Music and female medical history provide dottily relevant insights.
A later song compares the surrogate mother Lindhome eventually finds to a "trash bag," a moment that feels sacrilegious yet nails the complex emotions of surrogacy. It highlights that surrogacy, much like performing comedy alone after being part of a double-act, may not be the desired outcome, but it is better than not pursuing motherhood at all.
Awareness-Raising and Persuasive Storytelling
Dead Inside also carries an awareness-raising dimension, worn lightly but very persuasive. Lindhome references information that was withheld from her, which could have changed everything, adding a layer of advocacy to the personal narrative. From seeming almost sheepish in claiming the audience's attention, she soon compels full engagement of the heart, head, and funny bone.
The show runs at the Soho Theatre in London until 18 April, offering a unique blend of comedy and heartfelt reflection on fertility and parenting.
