John Robertson is best known for his world-touring hit show, The Dark Room. In case you’ve missed it, the show is a nigh impossible-to-win ‘video game’ style affair in which audience members challenge a mysterious being known as The Guardian, played by Robertson. They have to pick the right combination of options to escape the Dark Room, but as a rule, each option only leads to sarcasm and wit from The Guardian.
So, at this point, Robertson has decades of experience of being charmingly offensive to members of the audience in a way that everyone can enjoy, including (and this is crucial) the person being offended. Robertson’s new show, The Human Hurricane, puts all of these skills to use in a much straight-forward one-man show. No back projection, cool tech, or costumes are needed. Just John, a ukulele, and his acerbic wit are on display here.
Human Hurricane is aptly named. Robertson whirls across the stage like a living embodiment of a very angry cartoon character. The core of the show is crowd work, that much-maligned discipline of comedy that is very easy to do badly, and brilliant when done well. Everyone is included, no one is alienated, and the ridiculous nature of the human condition, in all its messy glory, is celebrated through John’s quick wit and world-class skill.
Robertson is almost unnaturally loud and very much larger than life. Between crowd work, we are treated to silly songs and the odd poem, as well as very quick skits. This paces the show, giving the audience time to catch their breath before the next belly laugh. This is an hour with a clever, witty, crazy, and deeply funny human being who loves people, warts, and all.
It’s a simple show, but one that requires a master of the art to be at the top of their game. John Robertson does this in a way that feels effortless or, to put it frankly, Robertson is just brilliant. You can see why The Dark Room has something of a cult following. Addictively funny, charming and very human, this is a must-see show.
Find out more about John Robertson here.
