Jess Robinson is a first class mimic. Veteran of TV and radio shows like
Musically, this is easily a five star show.
Her opening number, featuring Jessie J’s Bang Bang mashed up with Pink’s I’m Coming Out and numerous other tunes, would have been impressive enough without the dozens of distinct singing voices from Alanis Morissette to Billie Holiday that she also brings to the party. Spontaneous standing ovations are rare at the Edinburgh Fringe, but Robinson received one after just five minutes.
Dominating the back of the stage is The Wheel of 64 Tunes, which mismatches songs to singers at random. Some of these results work better than others. When Katie Price landed on Pulp hit Common People, everyone fell about, but my personal favourite was the brilliant rendition of All About That Bass by none other than Julie Andrews.
All the music is played live, supplied by pianist, guitarist and general accompanist Kirsty Newton, who also serves as the comic fall guy. Musically, this is easily a five star show. Sadly, the less than slick narrative between the songs lets the show down. Robinson’s comic character is presented as a lying pain in the arse – neither likeable nor convincing enough to be engaging. There are also recurring impressions of EastEnders actor Natalie Cassidy reciting classic texts badly – which seem to poke fun at her working class accent and little else.
Fortunately, the next song is never that far away, and Robinson’s brilliant voice and impeccable impressions make for a jolly good show.
