“You awake to find yourself in a dark room,” chants the audience. Newcomers look around in confusion, but are soon joining in with this repeated classic video game refrain. One by one, audience members play the game and attempt to escape ‘the dark room’ by making a series of choices, and one by one they all end up at the receiving end of the audience’s chant; “Ya die! Ya die! Ya die!” That is, unless you win.
Upon entering the theatre, there was a strong impression that this was not an audience of newbies. There appeared to be a cult following eagerly awaiting Robertson’s arrival, which suggested this was a show good enough to make you come back again. Fortunately, the show definitely lived up to expectations, and newcomers were soon swept up in the fun.
John Robertson’s The Dark Room is an altogether kooky, bizarre, and riotous good time. Hilarious observational comedy and interactive crowd work drive Robertson’s show, interspersed with comedic cultural references and a chaotically crazy energy that Robertson miraculously manages to maintain throughout the show.
Whether you’re chosen to participate in the game (good luck, it’s extremely popular!) or are simply there to watch, The Dark Room promises an evening of high-energy fun for everyone. Robertson’s characterisation of a crazy, extremely high energy game host is fantastic and transforms his performance into a completely immersive experience.
On the surface, Robertson exudes an air of chaos — all part of his character — but in reality, this is a seamlessly polished show that has been creatively crafted to be able to respond to a different audience every evening. When the bulk of your show relies on audience’s whims, it can be easy for it to derail, but Robertson maintains a level of control expertly disguised by a layer of crazy, high-energy performance.
Don’t miss The Dark Room this Fringe season: the only show where you might be showered in flying tortilla wraps, or receive a broken stool as a grand prize, but certainly a show where you’re guaranteed a good time.
John Robertson’s The Dark Room is playing until 30 August at Gilded Balloon Patter House. Buy tickets here.
Image by Mark Dawson as press material.
