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John Robertson: Arena Spectacular!

John Robertson claims that comedy is a sick industry (and he should know). Nothing terrible has happened to him this year, so he wishes to bring a middle of the road arena show to the Fringe to broaden his appeal. The problem? He doesn’t know how to write friendly accessible comedy, all he knows is bondage and video games.

If you are looking for something anarchic and dark this show is sure to satisfy.

The show is seemingly unstructured madness, leaving him room to go on any tangent that crosses his mind. He’s got a great energy and jumps around the room and often adds a frisson of physical comedy to punctuate the end of a joke. There is plenty of audience interaction and sitting at the back certainly isn’t going to help you avoid it, infact your not safe anywhere. Although initially it appears aggressive it’s always good natured. It helps bring the room together as a cohesive unit and serves Robertson with plenty of material to bounce off.

The themes he’ll pick are usually going to be pretty dark and nothing seems too taboo for his humour. He attacks everything with an aggressive earnestness that ensures the topics avoid becoming nasty and unpleasant.

The shows builds up to a satisfying finale where everything gets tied up in a nice little bow, all done with a heavy sense of irony that ensures that it is satisfying but not mawkish.

If you are looking for something anarchic and dark this show is sure to satisfy. With a blend of high energy and witty repertoire John Robertson brings a show that is more satisfying than many of the arena tours you're likely to see, and it’s much cheaper too.

Reviews by James W. Woe

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Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Acting For Others
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Performances

Location

The Blurb

Dirty jokes! Nice suit! Sit near the front! It’s an arena show… in a 45-seater. In his sixth year at the Fringe, the Australian wild man and insult comic unleashes 60 minutes of whatever comes into his head. Get ready for a party, and everyone’s the pinata. 'Utterly unique' ***** (Skinny). **** (Scotsman). ***** (ThreeWeeks). **** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). **** (List). 'A splendid comedy beast' **** (Kate Copstick, Scotsman).
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