John Robins issues hurricane warning
Quick-witted, insightful and with a roguish charm, John Robins is always worth a watch in Edinburgh – and he is back at the Fringe with a new show …
1. Tell us about the new show.
It’s called This Tornado Loves You. It’s from the name of a wonderful Neko Case song that I recommend you check out ASAP. The show is about the fantasies we have about life and relationships, and how they differ from our actual experience.
It’s called This Tornado Loves You. It’s from the name of a wonderful Neko Case song that I recommend you check out ASAP. The show is about the fantasies we have about life and relationships, and how they differ from our actual experience.
2. What’s your favourite bit (so far)?
Ummm, there’s a bit I really love which I can’t mention here (it’s far too groundbreaking). There are two set pieces I set myself the challenge of writing and I’m really pleased with how they came out. I have a really self-loathing rant about weddings as well, which is tremendously satisfying to perform.
3. Any props/visuals/silly hats?
I so nearly had a video! For the first time in six shows! It was of a Ladbrokes advert that made me physically sick, selling gambling as an aspirational lifestyle. Disgusting. But I really try to keep that sort of thing out of my shows because a) You have to really justify breaking that one-to-one engagement with the audience, b) I’m not very technically gifted, and c) I’m phenomenally lazy.
4. What’s the John Robins 3-point plan to happiness? Or are you the last person to ask?
Never drink before 4pm. Then Guinness. Then dark rum and Diet Coke WITH ICE NO LIME. Or, as Max Fischer said in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore – “I guess you’ve just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.” That is the best advice you can give to anyone. For me, I guess it’s comedy … and watching Ronnie O’ Sullivan play snooker … and being with my friends.
Never drink before 4pm. Then Guinness. Then dark rum and Diet Coke WITH ICE NO LIME. Or, as Max Fischer said in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore – “I guess you’ve just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.” That is the best advice you can give to anyone. For me, I guess it’s comedy … and watching Ronnie O’ Sullivan play snooker … and being with my friends.
5. The trademark T-shirt has gone and the suit is looking sharp. Are we seeing “serious” John now?
How is a t-shirt a “trademark”? Does everyone who wears a T-shirt owe me money? If so, can you sort out my royalties? How is what I wear of any relevance? YOU WOULDN’T ASK THAT QUESTION TO A WOMAN WOULD YOU?!