On entering “The Dark Room for Kids” a loud voice shouted through the speakers that we would soon be faced with a challenge of which the outcome would be a $2000 prize or “DEATH”. Sitting amongst the crowd there was a mixture of excitement and apprehension, and it seemed many, like myself, were unsure what to expect from the coming show. However this apprehension was soon lost, with presenter John Robertson skilfully engaging both the children and their parents.

The premise of the show is unique and made to be enjoyed by those with at least a moderate interest in gaming, or at least a nostalgia for text-based adventure games. As is to be expected of a good children's show, Robertson provided something for everyone in the audience. The younger audience members enjoyed the opportunity to be called on to try and avoid game based “death”, while their parents seemed to enjoy watching their children be (kindly) bullied. Young children to teenagers all seemed to be enjoying themselves.

There were a few unhinged moments (“bean tsunami”, anyone?) in which I wondered if Robertson had taken the silliness too far, yet he ultimately pulled them off with limited mess and a lot of laughs.

I delegated the decision on the star-rating to the fourteen year old I brought to the show with me and his resounding response was, "Five out of five!" Altogether a fun, engaging and unique show game-obsessed kids and teens are sure to enjoy. Or for the adults Robertson puts on an adult show with a similar premise which is also bound to be a bunch of fun.