Jess Robinson talks about her new show, Impressive.
Tell us about your Fringe show.
Oooh you are in for a treat! I am massively excited about this year’s show.
I think it’s one of the most ambitious things I’ve ever done; My show - ‘Impressive’ features well OVER 100 impressions, 99 of which are packed into my four minute rap sensation – ‘I got 99 voices but a bloke ain’t one’.
I’m a trained singer so, as well as Nicola Sturgeon, Kim Kardashian, Mary Berry and all my speaking impressions, I’m going to treat you to what I do best; the singing voices of today’s global pop divas, including Beyoncé, Paloma Faith and Nicki Minaj – as well as classic vintage stars, such as Judy Garland and Billie Holiday.
We’ll travel via, Kate Bush and a spine-tingling Amy Winehouse and of course make the obligatory pilgrimage to Adele. I have a fabulous live band, made up of young musicians and top musical comedians. So come along for a funny, feel good hour of pure escapism and top musical entertainment.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The clash of cultures. The best (and worst) performers descend every year from all corners of the globe to try weird and wonderful and hilarious and beautiful things. You can see things here that you scarcely thought possible. It’s a proper cultural melting pot of creativity!
Worst thing about the Fringe?
It’s relentless! By the third week Fringe Fatigue sets in. It’s a sort of zombie state I get into. Day in, day out you’re selling your show, doing your show, seeing other people’s shows, drinking, not sleeping enough and you get to a point when you’re not sure what your name is anymore, let alone what time it is, or the day of the week. The only cure is to ring mum, climb Arthurs Seat and have a bath. In that order.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This is my third year performing my own show at the Fringe, but prior to that I visited from childhood, and performed in other Fringe shows when I was a jobbing actress. Hamlet! The Musical was a highlight. Best. Show. Ever.
Favourite Fringe venue?
Mine! The Pleasance Courtyard. Especially the room I’m performing in. Specifically at 8.30pm… (that’s when I’m there doing my funny things).
Best Fringe memory?
The first night at the end of my first solo show. I got a standing ovation and suddenly in that moment, all the stress and nerves and tears and the £10,000 that my sister had lent me to put on the show seemed worth it.
Best heckle?
My mum – sarcastically, “Oh that’s very professional!” I’d got a fit of the giggles and couldn’t continue for about 3 minutes while I was being Sonia from Eastenders reading an excerpt from Fifty Shades Of Grey.
Craziest on stage experience?
Being Sonia from Eastenders reading an excerpt from Fifty Shades Of Grey.
What’s on your rider?
Just water… and a unicorn.
How do you wind down after a show?
If I’ve had a brilliant show it’ll take me aaaaages to wind down.
After I get in from the usual post show red wine, I won’t be able to get to sleep that night without watching a bit of whatever various box set I’m on. I might have some warm milk. And I’ll probably listen to a story tape as I go to sleep. Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter is very soothing. Or Martin Jarvis reading Just William. Yup I’m a baby.
What do you love about Scotland?
So many things; The people, the food – the architecture, the landscape. I really enjoy hearing the different Scottish dialects and trying mine out on the locals! I have a lot of family dotted around Scotland, so I always get to see them when I visit.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The city is so interesting. I’ve been loads but there are so many places I’ve yet to visit. I really want to check out the underground streets of Mary Kings close this year. My favorite thing though, is getting to stay with my lovely cousins whenever I visit.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Earlier this year I joined a circus in Dumfries called Le Haggis. Think Cirque du Soleil but with all Scottish music and a genuine dancing Haggis called Hamish. It was surreal and wonderful.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
They do like a really good Scottish accent. I’m working really hard on my Lorraine Kelly at the moment!
Favourite joke?
A skeleton walks into a bar. The barman says, “What’ll you have?” The skeleton says, “Gimme a beer and a mop.”
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Haggis! Haggis! I love it. Vegetarian Haggis is good too. I discovered that earlier this year. When I was in Inverness a while back I had an amazing pizza with haggis on it. I’ve yet to try it deep fried or in ice cream form, but I’m up for it!
Jess Robinson’s new show ‘Impressive’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Forth at 830pm each day for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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