About this episode

John Robertson discusses his unique blend of comedy and video games through his creation, The Dark Room.

John Robertson is an Australian comedian, writer, and performer who has carved out a singular space between stand-up, theatre, and video games. Beginning his career on the UK and international comedy circuit, he became known for his high-energy, unpredictable style—before creating The Dark Room , a live-action text adventure where audiences shout commands, face absurd deaths, and attempt to survive his chaotic world. The show has toured globally, sold out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe , and grown into an online phenomenon, streamed to millions and adapted into digital formats. Alongside this, he has written and performed a wide range of solo shows and interactive work, creating a unique space where comedy, games, and audience participation collide. John Robertson – website & show John Robertson – official website The Dark Room – live show information The Dark Room – live dates and tickets The Dark Room – Edinburgh Fringe 2026 at the Gilded Balloon The Dark Room – Dark Room Deathstravaganza at Leicester Square Theatre, 22 November John Robertson – Twitch (Robbotron) John's Perfect Console Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Mega Drive, 1992) – Wikipedia Super Puzzle…

People in this episode

Host: Simon Parkin

Guest: John Robertson

Topics covered

• comedy
• video games
• interactive performance
• audience participation
• live-action text adventure

Keywords

• John Robertson
• The Dark Room
• comedy
• video games
• audience participation
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• interactive performance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Dark Room, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Products: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Wii Sports Resort, Sid Meier's Civilization V, Hitman: World of Assassination, Caves of Qud, Switch Sports

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