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Jess Robinson: Your Song cabaret review – Mesmerising to watch

A likeable performer displays perfect impressions and versatile singing skills

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Jess Robinson: Your Song cabaret review – Mesmerising to watch

You really can’t fault Jess Robinson. Her shows are always impeccably performed and stuffed full of quality entertainment for all ages; this one is no exception. Your Song is a re-imagining of Elton John’s work as performed not just by Robinson but also ‘the girls’: the voices/impressions who live rent free in her head. Robinson appears radiant in almost as many sparkles and ruffles as Elton himself, including a nod to his footwear in her silver platform boots. She’s an immensely likeable performer and always mesmerising to watch. This hour showcases her pin-sharp impressions and versatile singing voice, backed by pianist and musical director Matthew Floyd Jones (formerly of Frisky & Mannish), gamely sporting some Elton-esque glasses.

It’s remarkable how brilliantly she oscillates between very different impressions, each voice taking a line of ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, for example, moving apparently effortlessly from the likes of Liz Truss to Marge Simpson. The return of some old favourites sees Liza Minnelli in an unexpected and delightfully silly audition, and later her iconic Kate Bush makes a comeback.

Robinson is funny too. Aside from the comedic twisting of Elton’s lyrics, she risks a more edgy, throwaway joke; it gets a mixed reception and deserves better. A true all-rounder, you’d be wise to check the new book she plugs at the end, too. Displaying further depth, it compares her diaries at 23 with those of her grandmother who escaped Nazi persecution. 

Jess Robinson: Your Song, Assembly George Square Gardens, until 24 August, 6.05pm; main picture: Chloe Hashemi.

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