'It completely redefines what one person can do on stage'

Riki Lindhome picks her Perfect Playlist of comedy favourites

American comedian Riki Lindhome – known for her comedy folk duo Garfunkel and Oates and appearances in the likes of The Big Bang Theory, Another Period and The Muppets Mayhem, is in London with her show Dead Inside, a musical comedy following her fertility journey. Here she shares some of her favourite comedy moments.

Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace

I love Chris Fleming so much. This special feels like watching someone operate at a completely different frequency than everyone else, but somehow still making perfect sense. It’s chaotic in the best way. Very physical, very specific, and constantly surprising.

He’ll take an idea and stretch it so far past where you think it’s going, and then somehow land it exactly where it needs to be. It’s one of those specials where you don’t just laugh, you’re also kind of in awe of how his brain works.

The Comeback: Season 2, Episode 3

(‘Valerie Is Brought to Her Knees’)

I think about this episode all the time. It’s such a perfect example of comedy that’s both excruciating and hilarious. What Lisa Kudrow does so brilliantly is convey the exact opposite emotion of whatever Valerie is trying to play.

Valerie is always attempting to project confidence or composure, and somehow Kudrow lets you see the panic, desperation, or hurt just underneath it at the same time. It’s such a precise, layered performance and every time I watch it, I'm in awe.

Natalie Palamides: Weer

What Natalie is doing in this show is an absolute masterclass in clowning. The level of control she has over her physicality, timing, and audience is incredible.

She’s playing two characters at once, and the things she’s able to accomplish on stage, completely alone, are kind of astounding. It’s the kind of show that reminds you how expansive and daring comedy can be at its best.

To me, it’s not just impressive, it completely redefines what one person can do on stage. The trailer sums the whole show up perfectly.

@nataliepalamides LONDON Come see WEER at @Soho Theatre Natalie Palamides">♬ original sound - Natalie Palamides

Tim Minchin: White Wine In The Sun

This isn’t even really a comedy song, which is part of why it means so much to me. It was one of the first times I heard something from a comedic voice that was just genuinely emotional without undercutting it.

I think hearing it gave me permission to expand what I thought a comedy song could be. That you don’t have to stay in one lane, and that you can hold real emotion alongside humour without diminishing either.

This song makes me cry every time I hear it and it really shifted how I think about writing.

Fred Armisen: Stand Up For Drummers

I know I’m biased because he’s my husband, but it’s genuinely one of the funniest specials I’ve ever seen. What I love about it is that he’s not afraid to do something totally different from what a stand-up special is ‘supposed’ to be.

It lives in its own world, and that’s what makes it work. It’s a really good reminder that the more you lean into your own weird, particular perspective, the more it can actually connect.