Words: Calum Baxter
Image: Rebecca Need-Menear

3 Stars

Will Robbins opens his set with a quip about being desperate to perform at the Pleasance to raise awareness of disability and the trials and tribulations he endures as a small person. And being told he’s performing in an Attic room.

An intimate venue, Will was able to command the stage and almost introduce himself to each member of the audience. There were audience members in from near where he grew up in Somerset, which put the comic at ease despite the low turnout due to the dismal weather.

Will describes his ambivalence towards the term “disabled” but, much like myself who has cerebral palsy, is very much content with using his disability to his advantage at the appropriate opportunities. Since moving to London, Will has had several jobs including selling hearing aids over the phone which proved challenging but not as demeaning as some of the jobs he has been offered particularly in his acting career due to his height. He shares an amusing story on the set of the film in which he portrayed a goblin.

His father is clearly a big presence in his life as he shares many anecdotes about growing up in a
small village in Somerset. Will admits that whilst he might not be the best Will in the world, the audience agreed with him that he is the best Will in the room!

Will Robbins: With the Best Will in the World
Pleasance Courtyard – Attic
18:00
9 – 11, 13 – 25 August