Lara Ricote on Break Clause success and her Edinburgh Comedy Award nod
Lara Ricote leads Channel 4’s romcom Break Clause in her first major starring role. The show follows two graduates who move to London, break up immediately, and remain stuck together by their tenancy agreement. Ricote says she was confident in the writing, and her comedy show Inkling has been shortlisted for the Edinburgh Comedy Award.
Lara Ricote, a 29-year-old Mexican-American stand-up who is hard of hearing, takes her first major lead as Lil in Channel 4’s Break Clause. The series, written by Jess Bray, pairs Lil with Ben, played by Samuel Bottomley; after graduating and moving to London, they separate at once but cannot escape their lease.
The show has drawn strong reviews and word-of-mouth attention. Ricote’s recent live show Inkling followed her 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer win, earned for GRL/LATNX/DEF, and is now shortlisted for Best Show. She has said she trusted the scripts’ humour and warmth.
Break Clause’s success may boost Ricote’s profile and open more lead roles for performers who are hard of hearing and those of Latin American heritage. Its portrayal of young graduates navigating rent, breakups, and shared leases could resonate with viewers facing similar housing pressures, perhaps prompting discussion about how tenancy rules shape relationships. The Edinburgh nod may also draw new audiences to her live work.