In his late twenties, Robinson tells us, he decided that his work shy attitude was not going to get him where he wanted to be in life. Since then, it is as if he has been trying to make up for lost time, working on countless TV shows, from Blackadder to Time Team.
Time Team are taking a break, so Robinson has the chance to sit back and reflect on his long career, which, being the born performer that he is, he’s chosen to do on stage at this year’s Fringe. Part biography, part history lesson, he talks about his childhood and medieval battles with equal enthusiasm.
Whilst the show is not hilarious, it is amusing, and providing you have some interest in history, entertaining. Perhaps the most significant revelation comes from Robinson’s description of the way his father, an engineer in the RAF, was snubbed by a high flying pilot. This may explain Robinson’s crusade to highlight the jobs of the everyday man throughout history, which though often disgusting, are necessary for the running of society.
Robinson has possibly clocked up the most air time whilst covered in dirt of anyone. If you want to enjoy this show, muck in, and give it your all with the sing along to ‘Any Old Iron!’
3/5
Gareth Braddick
