one4review | On 17, Aug 2023

This show for kids was my daughter’s favourite show last year and we couldn’t wait to see it again. Imagine a live-action computer game. We have the brilliant John Robertson as the host who leads a member of the audience through a game scenario, always stating with “you wake to find yourself in a dark room”. The player then has to select from one of four options displayed on a screen. This goes on until the player’s inevitable demise, at which point everyone shouts “ya die! Ya die”.

I’ve read other reviews of this show and it seems to be that people either love it or hate it. There is lots of shouting, a bit of swearing (“nothing I haven’t heard already” according to my 11 year old) and if you are chosen to be the player you can expect a bit of a ribbing. I think it’s important that parents are aware that this show is for kids ages 11+. This is a difficult age group to cater for: too old for puppets and bubbles but too wee for adult shows. I think the Dark Room perfectly bridges the gap. There were unfortunately some younger kids at the show who looked a bit shocked. We found the show to be daring, funny, shocking and just an absolute riot. We can’t wait to see it again next year.

*****

Reviewed by Claire

Gilded Balloon Nightclub

17.30 (1hr)

until 27 Aug