Tag: Nick Robertson

By Peter Hodgson

From the second you step into the room for Nick Robinson’s show Everything That Happened At Number 68, you feel welcomed. Literally, because Nick has brought plenty of tea for everyone (“Earl Grey, for sluts”), and even cushions and blankets in case your butt doesn’t like the seats or you feel a bit chilly. There are even snacks. It’s such a literally inviting way to begin this show, which is a collection of stories from Robinson’s first share house experience.

Nick Robinson is endearing, confessional, kind and friendly, but also cheeky, occasionally-dark-but-for-just-a-second, and not afraid to throw in a way-too-personal detail or anecdote (this show has a whole section about who left their butt plug in the bathtub). That’s perfect for a show about the sexed-up, longnecks-and-cones vibe of a 20something share house. Sometimes Robinson is the protagonist of his stories, sometimes he’s an observer, and sometimes he’s dragged wildly between the two poles as his flatmates wreak youthful havoc around him.

Now, let’s make this clear: it’s not a ‘share house from hell’ story. It’s downright heartwarming in a lot of places. We get to know Robinson’s flatmates (including a bunny named George), their habits, their personalities, their quirks. And, helpfully, as each character is introduced, their photo is pinned up from a clothes line hanging across the stage. It’s a great device for people like me who have a hard time keeping up when I’m hearing a story about a bunch of strangers. It’s easy to remember who did what to whom because I can see their photos right there. Thanks Nick!

Occasionally Robinson will stumble over a phrase, rush to a punchline too soon and have to backtrack, or get a little verbally tangled. This would be an issue for most comedians but Robinson creates an environment that makes it completely okay, all from the very outset. It’s just part of the atmosphere, the confessional vibe, the relaxed inviting warmth of sharing stories.

I’ve seen Robinson a few times in recent years, at MICF and spots at comedy clubs. Every year he gets more assured and more bold in his storytelling, more ready to take chances and take big swings. Everything That Happened At Number 68 is a really fun show and very much worth your time, and it hints at the more self-assured comedian Robinson is on his way to becoming. He’s already hilarious but this show contains the seeds of something that has potential to grow to something really unique.

Nick Robertson performs Everything That Happened At Number 68 at The Chinese Museum until April 20

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/everything-that-happened-at-number-68/