Review of John Robertson: The Human Hurricane, Fringe 2024

Birdy was really happy to see the one and only John Robertson was performing not one but TWO shows at the Fringe this year – so her first stop was The Human Hurricane.

Full disclosure; I actually know John a little. He’s someone I first met and saw live 12 years ago at the Fringe, and we’ve kept in touch ever since, in a roundabout kind of way. We’ve both just been doing our own thing, but it’s always been nice when I’m able to make it to one of his shows or see him on my FB.

The corybantic comedian’s most successful show, The Dark Room, only gets bigger and more popular each year (and you can read my review from last year right here). But… this review isn’t about that! (NOTE: We’ll get to that later on in the month)

This, ladies, gents, and those who ascribe to neither, is The Human Hurricane!

The vibe

When I first read the title, I couldn’t think of anything to better sum up the chaotic good energy that is John Robertson – which is exactly how I summed him up to a couple of clueless dudes in the queue outside the Counting House who apparently hadn’t heard of him but were queuing anyway.

It was a large queue, by the way, which is what I’d expected, and was lucky enough to get in there early enough (having seen Glenn Wool immediately before) to bag myself a front row seat (I think also because some people were just too scared to sit that close!).

This poster probably describes it better than I can:

The show itself

Walking in, John’s not hiding in the back like a diva until everyone’s seated and waiting patiently for his performance; he’s right there and raring to go. He then starts the show as he means to go on, with frenzied ukulele playing, gags, audience interactions/slagging, endless wit, and just sayin’ it like it is.

For around 45 minutes, we’re treated to a few unique and original songs performed on the ukulele, as well as a couple of bits of spoken word. John made it clear that the songs aren’t actually the same every night, likely due to his undiagnosed ADHD. But I enjoyed the ones I did hear!

Some of the highlights for me included Anime C*nt, Shut Up You Tiny Fool (on a side note, it warms my heart to see all the many acts hating on JK Rowling this year), and Meow Meow Meow (door humour seemed to be a theme tonight – but I highly suspect that particular theme was a one-night only thing).

John also did a bit of middle-class crowd surfing (you really have to be there to understand what that is), made his way to the back of the room and climbed up to a high spot he’d never been up to before, decided he liked it better there, and then upper-class crowd surfed his way back to us in the front.

One thing you won’t appreciate until you’ve seen John in action is just how comfortable he is in front of a crowd (after years of The Dark Room, he’d have to be), how easily and naturally he can read a room, and how he can zero in on various individuals in a way that always leads to belly laughs – and that you can never really fault him on. He’s never truly mean; it’s always kind spirited and a fun time.

The performance finished on a high note, with really quite a powerful, uplifting piece of spoken word, which I also really enjoyed and again, brings the chaotic good John is best known for.

You can’t help but be on John’s side for the entire performance, and you leave feeling energised because his energy is just that infectious. As for John, he’s taking photos, selling hats, and then racing off to his next show, The Dark Room, which starts in about 20 minutes! What is he, the Energiser Bunny?

Overall

I had a great time at The Human Hurricane, but then, I knew I would. I also left feeling curious about the song John didn’t play tonight; the one that Glenn Wool gave him a weird look for practicing before the show. Who knows, maybe I need to go back to hear it.

If you want to experience the force of nature that is The Human Hurricane, don’t hesitate to get along to The Counting House and experience the legend that is John Robertson for yourself. Highly recommend!