“A charming and playful night of Dungeons & Dragons; fantasy storytelling, live improv and audience participation.“
It’s Your Role blends fantasy storytelling with live improv, bringing the world of Dungeons & Dragons to the stage as a live recording of the core team’s podcast. Each show features a standalone D&D adventure, complete with dice rolls, offbeat characters, and the twist that one audience member is invited to join the cast and play a main role. A Peckham Fringe show at Canada Water Theatre, the atmosphere both magical and cosy, with floating candles and a warm, tavern aesthetic, and ambient fantasy soundscapes throughout.
The format is simple but effective. A trio of performers drive the story, led by Dungeon Master Ben Welford, who effortlessly shifts between narration and colourful NPCs. Chloe Campbell delivers standout comedic moments, particularly in a recurring joke about impressing “First Mate Susan,” a name randomly drawn from audience suggestions in a delightfully silly naming mechanic.
The energy of the cast was both relaxed and inviting. From the start, the audience is fully engaged, even when the narrative wobbles as the chaos of improvisation takes over. Audience participation makes a strong initial impression. The name-drawing segment creates hilarious encounters, and the inclusion of a guest player adds spontaneity and charm. While the rules of D&D are explained briefly along the way, it is clear that this particular guest player’s familiarity with the game helped the story move more smoothly.
However, the interactive energy does ease off in the second half, as the show leans more into the inside jokes shared by the core cast. This shift sometimes causes the momentum of the story to slow.
The plot is enjoyably absurd, involving a magical teapot and a mummy guarding a legendary cookie recipe. But the heart of the show lies not in the narrative stakes, but in its warmth, humour, and sense of community.
Whether you are a seasoned player or completely new to D&D, It’s Your Role offers a charming and fun evening where embracing the unexpected is part of the adventure.