2017 Edinburgh Fringe

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Three questions with cult live-action video game host John Robertson...

1. You have taken one of the most truly terrifying shows at the Fringe and attempted to adapt it for children, what made you think that's a good idea?

Heheheheheh! Well, people keep bringing their kids to the adult show! It's magical when kids play - The Dark Room is suddenly like a jolly cybernetic uncle and for reasons I don't quite understand, audiences at comedy shows really love watching children die.

So I thought maybe the wee 'uns would like their own horrible adventure, where, with a twinkle in my eye, I cut down on the swearing, but ramp up the blood (when entertaining kids I skew like a very internet-era Roald Dahl, it's all puns, videogames and gore.) It's good, wholesome fun. (Well, it's fun, anyway.)

2. What's the most exciting thing you've done in a dark room?

The most exciting thing I've done in a generic dark room would automatically get this site reclassified as the British Pornography Guide. The most exciting thing to happen in a Dark Room show is whatever's happening in a Dark Room show. It's always a thrill!

3. How is it going taking all the swears out your show?

Well, it's not that difficult to swear at children when you're already wearing glowing, spiked armour and they're running in terror. At that point, my language tends to become quite sweet, if admittedly, a little reliant on phrases like "Come back!" and "There is no escape!" and "I only said I wanted to rip your eyes out, stop that awful crying, it'll just make it easier to scoop them out."