John Robins, a name synonymous with sharp wit and profound honesty, is a celebrated figure in the UK comedy scene. Best known for his dynamic radio partnership with Elis James and his deeply personal stand-up shows, Robins has carved a niche by fearlessly exploring the complexities of mental health and modern life through humor. His upcoming tour marks a fascinating juncture in his career, presenting a comedian grappling with newfound serenity while revisiting the chaos that fueled his past performances. This article delves into the world of Comedian John Robins, examining his comedic evolution, his open dialogue about mental health, and the intriguing challenge he faces in making his current tranquility as funny as his former turmoil.
Robins’ journey in comedy has been marked by a willingness to lay bare his vulnerabilities. His previous shows, including the critically acclaimed Hot Shame and the award-winning The Darkness of Robins, unflinchingly dissected his personal struggles. These performances resonated deeply with audiences, not only for their comedic brilliance but also for their raw and relatable portrayal of anxiety and life’s everyday battles. Now, as he embarks on a new tour, Robins finds himself in a dramatically different headspace. Having navigated a period he describes as a “catastrophic phase” mentally, he has since embraced sobriety, meditation, and a more balanced approach to life. This transformation presents a unique comedic challenge: how to mine humor from a place of peace when his comedic persona has often thrived on the edge of chaos.
“One half of the show was written last year in quite a catastrophic phase, mentally,” Robins explains, highlighting the bifurcated nature of his new material. “And the second half is being written now, when… I’m very serene and peaceful.” This contrast forms the central premise of his tour, a tightrope walk between his past self and his present state. The first act will feature routines born from a period of intense anxiety and struggle, material that Robins himself no longer fully identifies with. The comedic tension lies in his commitment to this past persona, even as his current philosophy has shifted. The brilliance of Robins’ approach lies in his willingness to then dissect this earlier material from his evolved perspective in the second act, offering audiences a meta-commentary on his own comedic evolution and personal growth.
This innovative structure allows Robins to engage with his established comedic themes – the anxieties of modern life, the pitfalls of self-management – while simultaneously offering a fresh and insightful perspective. He is essentially asking his audience to journey with him through his mental landscape, acknowledging the darkness he has navigated and the lighter space he now occupies. The comedian who once found humor in disastrous failures, from relationship breakdowns to the simple act of buying a humidifier, is now exploring the humor inherent in personal transformation and the ongoing process of self-improvement.
Comedian John Robins candidly discusses his mental health journey and comedic evolution.
Robins’ previous show, The Darkness of Robins, stands as a testament to his ability to extract humor from deeply personal pain. The show, which earned him a joint Edinburgh Comedy Award alongside Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, unflinchingly explored his breakup with fellow comedian Sara Pascoe. It was a raw and vulnerable performance, celebrated for its honesty and its unexpected comedic brilliance. Robins masterfully balanced the tension of heartbreak with the release of laughter, demonstrating his core comedic principle: “the release of laughter has to be equal to the tension you’ve caused. And when it is, it’s great.” This philosophy continues to inform his current work, even as the source of tension shifts from external heartbreak to internal struggles and subsequent healing.
His candidness extends beyond the stage and into the airwaves. Alongside Elis James, Robins co-hosts the popular radio show and podcast How Do You Cope?, which tackles male mental health with celebrity guests. This platform has solidified Robins’ reputation as an articulate and empathetic voice in discussions surrounding mental wellbeing. However, Robins humbly acknowledges that expertise in discussing mental health does not preclude personal struggles. He admits to missing the “red flags” in his own behavior, highlighting the often-insidious nature of anxiety. “When you’re anxious you don’t really think it’s anxiety,” he notes, emphasizing the difficulty of self-awareness in the midst of mental turmoil.
This personal realization informs another layer of his new show: a critical examination of the wellness industry. Robins expresses skepticism towards aspects of the wellness movement, suggesting that its language can sometimes be “unhelpful and… quite isolating.” He draws a crucial distinction between mental health and mental illness, questioning whether the prevalent “pamper yourself, go for a walk, talk to someone” narrative adequately addresses the complexities of severe mental health conditions. This nuanced perspective adds depth to his comedy, moving beyond personal anecdotes to engage with broader societal conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Ultimately, John Robins’ comedic strength lies in his authenticity. He eschews the pressure to conform to comedic expectations, instead prioritizing a genuine connection with his audience. “I long ago gave up trying to write what I thought people wanted to hear,” he states. “Or to be what I thought a comedian was… What you then end up with is an inauthentic performance.” For Robins, true comedic resonance comes from sharing a piece of himself, offering audiences a glimpse into his unique perspective. His ambition is modest yet profound: to create comedy that allows audiences to say, “that was John Robins… I really laughed, and it made me think.” As he embarks on this new tour, John Robins invites audiences to witness a comedian in transition, navigating the delicate balance between past chaos and present serenity, all while delivering the insightful and hilarious comedy that has made him a beloved figure in British stand-up.
