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Jess Robinson: The Jess Robinson Experience

Quirky, high-energy comedy and musical impressions
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Jess Robinson: The Jess Robinson Experience

Quirky, high-energy comedy and musical impressions

It's apparent from the moment that she walks onto the stage that The Jess Robinson Experience is certainly going to be an experience. Robinson, who has been featured on Britain's Got Talent and The Imitation Game, has plenty of energy, things to say and musical impressions to make in this hour.

Robinson believes that 'there is a different impression to suit every mood' and easily impersonates everyone with her versatile voice from Shakira and Beyoncé to Liza Minnelli and the Queen. For 'Shallow' from A Star is Born, she quickly alternates between impressions of Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga.

There are moments of bizarre hilarity that leave the crowd in stitches, like a rap song about her hometown of Aldbury in Hertfordshire ('me and my bitches rounding up the sheep') and a parody of 'Running Up That Hill' based on a dream that she had about her childhood idol, Kate Bush.

Things take a serious turn though when she suddenly reads excerpts from her late grandmother's diary, discusses her escape from the Holocaust, and sings 'The Impossible Dream' in her honour. It's a thoughtful tribute, but it feels entirely out of place in an otherwise fun, goofy show. Robinson is an engaging and talented performer, but by trying to fit so much into one hour, this show feels unnecessarily chaotic.

Assembly Rooms, until 24 Aug, 7pm, £12–£15.

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