From Stand-Up to Stand-Offs: Robin Zetina Brings Dungeons, Dragons & Dark Laughs to Edinburgh

Meet Robin Zetina – Glasgow-born (with a dash of Inverurie upbringing), rough around the edges, and sharp as a two-handed sword. He’s made a name by fusing stand‑up with Dungeons & Dragons in his runaway hit show Definitely Not Goblins, packing out rooms across the Glasgow and now launching into Edinburgh for a one-off spectacle.

Robin’s already rubbed shoulders with the big leagues carving out a following by mixing dark, biting one-liners with absurd geek-fantasy chaos.

Think pantomime-meets-D&D-meets raw comedy that’s equal parts brutal and brilliant.

His show is legendary: interactive, unpredictable, and unscripted, it’s literally a live D&D game with goblins, chaos and swear‑laden laughs – all driven by Robin’s Dungeon Master antics. With this much buzz – nominations, sell‑outs, opening in Edinburgh – he’s definitely the alternative comedy brand you didn’t know you needed.

Stay tuned – you don’t want to miss the goblin revolution.

LET’S KICK OFF – WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Robin Zetina – I grew up between Glasgow and Inverurie.

WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO COMEDY? WAS IT A MOMENT, A MELTDOWN, OR JUST MADNESS?

I’ve wanted to be a comedian since I was 5 years old, when I got a copy of Billy Connolly: Live in New York. That was it. Hooked.

WHO WERE YOUR EARLY COMEDY INFLUENCES – THE PEOPLE WHO MADE YOU THINK, ‘I CAN DO THIS’?

Andrew Dice Clay is one of my biggest influences, right up there with Richard Pryor and George Carlin. As a teenager I used to watch Tom Stade and Craig Campbell on TV – which came full circle last year when I got to open for both of them.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST GIG – HOW BAD WAS IT? OR WERE YOU ONE OF THOSE ANNOYING NATURALS?

My first gig was in Edinburgh, funnily enough – performing to six comedians in the back room of a bar called The Blue Blazer. I still have the footage. It is agonising to listen to.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST GIG MOMENT SO FAR – THE ONE THAT REMINDED YOU WHY YOU DO THIS?

Doing clubs in Austin, Texas. I was booked for a Saturday night showcase at The Sunset Strip. Reshaping my material for that crowd was a big hurdle, but once I found the rhythm, it was the moment I knew I could hang with any audience.

AND YOUR WORST? THE ONE YOU STILL WAKE UP SWEATING ABOUT?

Ironically, one of my worst gigs is also one of my favourites – I did a show in a swingers club in Glasgow. And yes, it was exactly what you’re imagining.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COMEDY FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER SEEN YOU BEFORE?

It used to lean pretty dark – I find that easier to write – but over the last year I’ve challenged myself to write cleaner material. It’s more varied now, still sharp, but a bit more versatile.

WHAT’S YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE – NOTES ON YOUR PHONE, FULL SCRIPTS, OR WINGING IT ON STAGE?

Rough notes first. I go over it in my head a few times, then riff it out on stage. If it sticks, it stays.

DO YOU THINK COMEDY IS CHANGING? ARE THINGS GETTING TOO SAFE OR TOO SENSITIVE?

I think people have always been sensitive – it’s just easier to complain now. As a comic, you’ve got to believe in what you say and never apologise for trying something. That’s the game.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE COMEDIANS ARE FACING RIGHT NOW?

Standing out in a world of TikTok and Instagram reels. You’re no longer just a comic – you’re your own PR manager, video editor, cameraman, and social media guru.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SHOW – WHAT’S IT CALLED, WHAT’S IT ABOUT, AND WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME SEE IT?

It’s an interactive, actual-play Dungeons & Dragons show. If pantomime and D&D had a love child, it’d be this foul-mouthed, comedy-ridden chaos of a live show. We’ve been running in Glasgow for a year and a half now – went from a 45-seater to a 100-seater and sold out every month this year. So we’re bringing it to Edinburgh for a one-off!

FINALLY – WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU ONLINE OR IN THE PUB AFTERWARDS?DefinitelyNotGoblins.com – that’s where all our links live. You’ll also find us at conventions across Scotland… and of course, at the pub after every show.

Catch Dungeons & Dragons live on Sat 19th July at 2pm right here at The Comedy Cellar!

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