Riki Lindhome's performance in Dead Inside at Soho Theatre in London delivers an emotionally involving and gobsmacking comedy that delves deep into the complexities of fertility and motherhood. The unassuming US comedian and musician masterfully turns her personal journey into a witty, bittersweet, and beautifully judged show that captivates audiences from start to finish.
A Refreshing Take on Trauma-Comedy
In recent years, trauma-comedy has become a staple at fringe festivals, often leaving viewers feeling jaded. However, Lindhome's Dead Inside wholly refreshes the form with its modest and heartfelt approach. As she sits at her keyboard after a poignant song about pregnancy loss, Lindhome acknowledges, "I know this show can be uncomfortable." Yet, it is this very discomfort that makes the show so compelling, blending humor with raw emotional honesty to create an experience that is far from cosy but deeply engaging.
Key Elements of the Show
The production values are intentionally unassuming, with simple touches like a disembodied hand operating a bubble machine from the wings. Lindhome signs off most songs with a demure "that's it," emphasizing the show's lack of self-aggrandizement. This modesty is key, as few autobiographical shows feel less "me, me, me." Lindhome would prefer not to recount stories of frozen embryos, failed IVF, seven surgeries in one year, untimely relationship breakups, and being classified as an "undesirable candidate" for adoption, but she does so with grace and wit.
Witty and Bittersweet Numbers
The show features a series of clever songs that highlight Lindhome's journey. One number parodies Disney princesses, written during her pregnancy travails while working on an animated movie. Another asks, "will you be my bio-dad?" in a bittersweet tone. Tangential but dottily relevant detours into The Sound of Music and female medical history add layers of humor and insight.
A particularly striking moment involves Lindhome's Google presence, which includes smutty and sacrilegious songs from her duo Garfunkel and Oates, leading to her being deemed undesirable for adoption. This story "takes the cake" in its absurdity and poignancy. Later, a song compares the surrogate mother she eventually finds to a "trash bag," a sacrilegious yet honest reflection on surrogacy as a better outcome than not having a child at all.
Awareness-Raising and Persuasive
Dead Inside also carries an awareness-raising dimension, worn lightly but persuasively. Lindhome references information that was withheld from her, which might have changed everything, adding a layer of advocacy to the personal narrative. From seeming almost sheepish in claiming attention, the show soon compels full engagement of the heart, head, and funny bone, making it a must-see for anyone interested in comedy, fertility issues, or heartfelt storytelling.
The show runs at Soho Theatre in London until 18 April, offering a unique blend of entertainment and emotional depth that resonates long after the curtain falls.
