Ria Lina-Edinburgh Fringe 2025-Part of July Challenge.

Ria Lina is no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe and is about to bring her show Riabellion to this year’s festival.

When were you last performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Technically, I made my return to the Fringe in 2024 after an eight-year hiatus, warming up for my next tour with 4 days of work in progress shows. But really, I haven’t ‘done’ the festival properly since 2016 when I did my last solo show Dear Daughter which was a hilarious look at motherhood and death (I promise it was hilarious, just really difficult to flyer).

What was the name of your previous show?

My previous show was Riawakening, which was my debut tour. It tackled themes like coming out of a global pandemic, divorce, dating in a new digital world, motherhood, and what it really means to be a woman today.

Other shows I’ve done at Fringe include: Dear Daughter, Taboo Raider, School of Riason, Thpethial, and It’s Not Easy Being Yellow.

How long has your current show been running for?

Riabellion kicks off with previews at EdFringe on 28th July 2025. The show explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules. World Premiere!!

Do you have any “good luck” rituals you undertake before performing?

I should ground myself and go through the show in my head, having gone over notes from the previous day’s performance…but in reality I usually end up rushing on stage last minute from having tried to sort something in the room, or chatted to an audience member, or realised I should use the loo before a 60min show… so, I guess in reality, no?

How have you found booking accommodation this year?

I got SUPER lucky. I am also part of the show Abnormally Funny People, and they arranged for accommodation for some of the cast, so while it’s WAY more than I’ve ever paid before, at least it’s a roof over and a bed under my head, indoor plumbing and within walking distance of a tesco.

What three pieces of advice would you give to first-timers going to the Fringe?

Pace Yourself: The Fringe is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure to rest and not overcommit (if you’re doing the whole month). If you’re not doing the whole month you’re a wimp and I have no respect for you or your lack of grit. Quit the Arts: cause you clearly won’t make it. (If you’re not doing the whole month for financial reasons then: Quit the Arts. You will never be able to compete with the upper class trust fund babies.)

Support Fellow Artists: Attend other shows and support your peers. It’s a great way to build community and gain inspiration OR see the competition and know what you’re up against. Either way, you’re learning and participating in a TOTALLY HEALTHY WAY.

Stay Flexible: Be prepared for last-minute changes and go with the flow. Flexibility is key to enjoying the Fringe experience, and by flexibility I mean waterproofs, and by last-minute changes I mean rain, and by flow I mean flow… it can really bucket it down in Edinburgh without warning sometimes.

What are your plans after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

I’m going to take 10 days at the beginning of September to get the kids settled into the new school year and then mid-September into 2026 continue touring Riabellion across the UK and Europe.