Tell us about your brand of comedy / What can audiences expect ?
Jess Robinson
My brand of comedy is feel good, huge fun and sometimes a little bit mad. Incredible impressions, stunning singing, vocal gymnastics, top musical entertainment, pure escapism and no politics!
My show - 'Impressive' features well OVER 100 impressions, 99 of which are packed into my 4 minute rap sensation - 'I got 99 voices but a bloke ain't one'.
I'm a trained singer so, as well as Nicola Sturgeon, Cheryl Cole, 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.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence?
I loved watching the Sarah Silverman show when I was starting out - I adored her wild flights of fancy and silly cartoon-like life along with the daft songs she'd make up. Fellow impressionists; Jon Culshaw, Rory Bremner and most recently Alistair McGowan have all been very supportive to me during my career. The latter two particularly so in the last couple of years after we all met in Edinburgh. Vic and Bob's madness has definitely filtered through since I saw them on shooting stars when I was a kid and I always loved Victoria Wood and used to sing her songs at school. In terms of my contemporaries, I LOVE the stand up of Ellie Taylor and I adore Eastend Cabaret. I can't wait to catch their shows at the Fringe.
What Random things make you laugh in everyday life?
Mainly my mother. She should have been a performer. She's larger than life and when she recounts stories of what various people in her village have been up to or said to her, she does all the voices. It's hilarious. I guess that's where I get my love of 'doing voices' from. I'm very lucky - mum and dad both have a brilliant sense of humor. We laugh together a lot.
Best and worst moments on stage?
My best moment on stage: 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.
Worst moment on stage: The show had sold out and just as I was about to begin, the fire alarm went off. We, (the audience & I) all had to evacuate the venue and stand outside in the freezing cold and rain. I ended up doing part of the show outside and leading a sing-along which was fun. So I guess it wasn't so bad in the end!
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
YES! The nerves never go away. I've always been nervous whatever I've done in terms of performing; plays, concerts, pantomimes on a TV set etc… when it's your own show though, the pressure feels even greater, because they're your own words and ideas that are being judged, rather than someone else's script. I do think nerves are a good thing though - they mean you care. (That's what I tell myself anyway!)
Why is Edinburgh such a great platform for comedians?
The best (and worst) performers descend every year from all corners of the globe to try weird and wonderful and hilarious and beautiful things. There's a real camaraderie between all the acts too. It's an opportunity to make friends, network, get seen by all industry professionals, try out material and hone your skills. You can see things here that you scarcely thought possible.
It's a proper cultural melting pot of comedy!
Who are you looking forward to seeing as an audience member?
There really is something for everyone in my show. Bring your, best friend, your granny and your little sister - bring your partner and your teenage son. Bring the bloke from behind the counter at your favorite kebab shop. Seriously.
It's fun, feel-good, a bit naughty. The live band is going to be amazing. It'd be a perfect start for a girls night out or a work party. And some lucky audience members might get a golden ticket and get to sit on stage with me! It's going to be a blast.
What's the oddest heckle you've ever received?
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.
Someone shouted sarcastically, "Oh that's very professional!" - it was my mum.
What's next for you?
I'd love to take this show on a big tour! I'm sure during September I will mostly be sleeping and de-toxing and recovering from Edinburgh. Then it'll be back to the gigs on the cabaret and comedy circuit and all the voiceovers I do for cartoons. I'm currently working on the UK and US versions of Noddy and other various productions. I'll be voicing all sorts of characters from mice, to fairies and witches to Noddy's dog. Yup… It's all pretty grown-up and glamorous! ;-)
Jess Robinson's new show 'Impressive' will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Forth at 830pm each day for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe