Jonathan Robertson Plays With The Audience Review
Written by Jordan for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
After many failed attempts, I’ve finally managed to see one of John Robertson's stand up performances, held on the last day of the UK Games Expo this year.
Those who would have read our review of John’s “The Dark Room” from our Fringe Festival series would know that I have been a fan of his work for a very long time and have seen “The Dark Room” on numerous occasions (annually in fact), so it will be no surprise to learn that his stand up show “John Robertson Plays with the Audience” has likewise left me entraptured with his performance. Manic, energised comedy from start to finish covering topics such as gaming, sex and society at large, it's a rollercoaster, just with more swearing.
Now, I will say up front that John’s humour is not for everyone, it is loud, sweary, crass and filthy, but exceptionally cathartic because of that. On top of that, the stand up is still very much a work in progress as John himself will openly admit. That said, if you don’t mind a bit (a lot) of swearing or listening as someone shares stories of sordid sexual exploits while throwing things at the proverbial wall to see what sticks, then this show might just be for you.
The performance itself is punctuated by songs, accompanied on the ukulele (including an impressive 2 chords as John confides), and while none of these are likely to reach the top 40 they are no less catchy and you’ll find yourself singing along in no time (maybe). Each song, while hilarious in itself, often comes with a poignant message (well, some of them do), targeting the 1%, bigots, misogynists and other such persons deserving of ridicule. Others, like the Kitty Cat Blues, are just 100% silly, but damned funny.
Like with his Dark Room performances, John is quick to get the audience involved and treads a fine line of mockery while avoiding truly hurtful insults, somehow always showing the utmost respect for his audience while bringing you to tears with laughter. But coupled with that I get the impression that no two shows are going to be the same, I don’t expect each show to include a partial kidnapping like ours for example! (He consented.)
Ultimately, it is evident that those who have witnessed John perform previously enjoy his work immensely, as demonstrated by the sell-out of this early afternoon show, which took place at the conclusion of a three-day convention at the NEC, in a time slot that is notoriously difficult to fill.
John is currently touring the show around the UK alongside performances of The Dark Room, so if you like loud, sweary and side-splitting humour then this is a show you should be checking out. I know I’ll be trying to catch it again when it’s nearby!
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