Daily Info sat down with John Robertson, the comedian behind The Dark Room, to chat about the show, what audiences can expect and what John has cooking up for his next show.
What’s The Dark Room all about?
John Robertson: It’s a live-action videogame! Which is to say it’s a high-energy improv comedy gameshow where the crowd can win crap prizes or die!
DI: What can audiences expect from this show?
JR: If they want to play, they can! If they don’t, they can just watch and laugh! Nobody gets played with who doesn’t want to be, which is a good way to live your life, really.
DI: The show is in its 12th year of touring. How has it developed and evolved in this time?
JR: Well, the serious answer is it’s expanded to the point where we’ve done 50 hour charity marathon shows with it, headlined comedy stages at rock festivals and travelled the planet. The funnier, but equally true answer is, “I spent about £100 more on props”.
DI: You have a new tour coming to Oxford in October. What have you got cooking up with John Robertson Plays With His Audience?
JR: High-energy improv, stand-up about geeky things, and electric ukulele. And after writing 10 or so solo shows and 12 years of The Dark Room, it’s my first solo stand-up tour!
DI: In The Dark Room you are the end-of-level boss. But which video game bosses are your favourites?
JR: I like Dr Robotnik from the Sonic games. I’m not sure why he reminds me of Elon Musk, but it’s probably because he’s emotionally unstable and all his machines keep exploding.
DI: What games have been the most formative for you?
JR: I learned patience from Civilisation, love from Final Fantasy, strength from Street Fighter and depression from Ecco The Dolphin.
DI: Can you sum the show up in three words?
JR: Not really, no!
The Dark Room comes to the Mill Arts Centre on Thursday 17th April and tickets can be found on the venue's website.