A cosy, comical escape into a fantasy world where the audience really does have a role to play.Summary
Rating
Excellent
It’s Your Role is a live tabletop roleplaying show that brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to the stage in a funny, fast-paced, and surprisingly intimate format. Blending improv, storytelling, and audience participation, the show offers a unique twist on traditional D&D by inviting viewers not just to watch, but to become part of the adventure.
At the heart of the show is a three-person cast, including the Dungeon Master (Ben Welford), who guides the story, narrates scenes, and reacts to the players’ decisions. To complete their adventuring party, they cleverly invite an audience member (Danny-O) to become the fourth character. This interactive touch adds a fresh, unpredictable energy.
The cast makes the experience accessible by talking through dice rolls and game mechanics, ensuring audience members unfamiliar with D&D can follow along. A highlight of the show is the name goblet, where audience members submit silly, strange character names that the players will encounter. This results in some hilarious moments, like meeting a chef called “Will the Wrongen” who Welford quickly claims is named this because he “hates anything that’s wrong”.
The one-shot adventure itself is light-hearted and whimsical. The team search for a mythical mummy’s cookie recipe and the legendary teapot of perfect tea, only to discover that the mummy was the monster guarding the treasure. It is a charming mix of action, comedy, and fantasy that has the room laughing throughout.
Running jokes, like the crew’s attempts to flirt with “Susan”, the first-hand shipmate, add to the show’s charm. Off-the-cuff quips and playful banter keep the tone relaxed and engaging. The show runs for 90 minutes, but never drags. In fact, it could easily have gone on longer without losing the audience’s attention. The small, intimate setting of the Canada Water Theatre gives it a cosy, informal feel that suits the storytelling style perfectly. As each show is recorded as a podcast, audiences can relive the experience afterward, which is a lovely bonus.
Welford has an impressive range of voices that help with differentiating between his characters. This made it a lot less confusing while also adding to the show’s humour. I loved how easily the audience member slotted in. It was very amusing how he and Max Jukes kept having side conversations as Chloe Campbell’s character flirted with Susan.
The staging and ambiance add to the experience. Hanging candles, a projected map, and a notice board for audience sign-ups create a simple but immersive set. Atmospheric background music accompanies scene changes, enhancing the mood. However, a few extra touches, like sound effects (a harp sound from the bard or a chest creaking open) could add an extra layer of immersion.
There was also room for even more interactive flair. More physical props like the treasure map or the teapot are displayed on a screen via a live camera or handed to the audience for safekeeping during scenes. Costume-wise, the cast wear casual clothing. Character-themed accessories or a dress-up box for the guest player would enhance the visual storytelling and humour.
It’s Your Role is a delightful blend of tabletop gaming, improv theatre, and audience engagement. It’s a cosy, comical escape into a fantasy world where the audience really does have a role to play. With just a few tweaks to intensify immersion, this strong concept could level up into something truly magical. Whether you’re a D&D veteran or new to the game, this show promises laughter, adventure, and a sense of community. Although this was a one-off show, they host a monthly live show at Riverside Studios, so be sure to catch one of them!
Created and produced by: It’s Your Role
It’s Your Role played as part of Peckham Fringe for one performance only. You can find the recordings of this and other performances here.
