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John Robertson’s The Dark Room
17 April 2025 @ 7.30pm
About John Robertson’s The Dark Room
How do you play? The audience is trapped in a retro video game with a sadistic end-of-level boss. Choose your options, survive the abuse simulator that is the improv comedy overlord John Robertson, and escape to win £1000 – or, be brutally murdered by the rest of the crowd!
Now, will you:
A. Find the Light Switch
B. Go North?
C. Abandon Hope?
Now its 12 th year, this high-octane interactive show is the brainchild of comedian & cult leader John Robertson. Filled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you’d get at a protest – it’s a gut-busting rock n’ roll geek experience for everyone who buys a ticket.
John has performed The Dark Room to crowds of thousands at comedy, fringe, rock, and gaming festivals, and to hundreds in theatres and arts centres around the world.
These include Insomnia Gaming Festival, London Film & ComicCon, Sci-Fi Weekender, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, FringeWorld Perth, Leeds International Festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest, PAX Australia, EGX London, 21Soho, headlined the comedy stage at BlueDot Festival and multiple residences at Frog & Bucket Manchester and Soho Theatre. And of course, to millions of fans online on his Twitch Partner channel.
Reviews
WINNER
CHORTLE Legend Of Lockdown 2020
SOLD OUT – Edinburgh Fringe 2019, 2022 & 2023 Welcome to THE DARK ROOM – the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane, and addictive – it’s a choose-your-own-adventure, so choose it!
“A Rocky Horror for gamers… reader, I howled.” ★★★★
Telegraph, London
“Not to be missed!”
Guardian
“What a marvellous, maddening concept this is from the twisted mind of Robertson.”
Chortle
“Will have you crying with laughter.”
Broadway Baby
“Watching people tackle the challenge and fail is one of the funniest sights around. Don’t miss it.”
The Daily Telegraph, Sydney
“One of the most innovative and original comedy shows around.”
Manchester Evening News
“Loud, raucous, and brilliantly daft, this is unrelenting fun for everyone.” ★★★★★
ThreeWeeks
“You have to see the Dark Room at least once in your life.” ★★★★★
The Scottish Sun
“You must see this show.” ★★★★★
British Comedy Guide
“A game of passionate nostalgia.” ★★★★★
The Skinny
“Something of a masterpiece.” ★★★★★
Fringe Review
Tickets
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Standard tickets – £17.00
Concessions (Over 60s, Under 16s & Students) – £15.00
Dates & times:
Thursday 17 April 2025 at 7.30pm
Age guidance:
15+
Content guidance:
This show includes strong language and adult humour.
About The Mill Arts Centre
The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.
As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.
It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.
The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.
You can visit our Café Bar for delicious hot and cold drinks and light refreshments – and while you’re there, the Gallery is home to a fantastic programme of exhibitions from local artists.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for meeting rooms or spaces for hire in Banbury, our wide range of spaces – including our theatre, art studio, dance studio and meeting rooms – are available for hire.
Discover more about The Mill Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.
