News
Legacy - Jess Robinson
Pleasance Above, Pleasance Courtyard
TIME: 21:20
DATES: 3rd-28th August (not 16th or 23rd)
by Gareth K Vile
Watch the UK’s leading musical impressionist and star of Spitting Image Jess Robinson save the world in under an hour! Join the Edinburgh favourite as you've never seen her before - starring in a brand-new musical multimedia one-woman show. Audiences can expect to be blown away by stunning original music and Jess’ jaw-dropping speaking and singing impressions including the likes of Olivia Colman, Zoella, Lady Gaga, Gal Gadot, Kim Kardashian and Adele to name a few.
Your show ‘Legacy’ claims to save the world: how do you hope to do this in just short of an hour through a one person show?!
Well… It’s obviously totally impossible ha ha ha. But the audience will have a great time watching me try - through the use of impressions, music and deep fake technology. It really is a comedic one-woman musical extravaganza!
Where does the multi-media element come into the production, and what made you decide to use it?
In terms of multimedia: I use deep fake technology- so I can act alongside an uncanny Olivia Colman. I also use face filters so people can see me morph into different celebrities before their very eyes. And i re-voice footage of celebrities and make them say all sorts of naughty things which is great fun!
How do live audiences respond to impressions amid the rise of celebrity culture?
I think they love to see wealthy and successful people have the Mickey taken out of them! It’s so much fun to imitate somebody we all know and love… or love to hate. Also, it’s hugely entertaining for audiences watch one person channel loads of different celebs from pop stars to Tv chefs to politicians and have them all turn up in one show
What role did you have on Spitting Image?
I was the main female voice artist on spitting image. My many characters included: Adele, Kim Kardashian, Greta Thunberg, Melania and Ivanka Trump, Olivia Colman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Grimes, Ellen DeGeneres, and more… which I can’t remember now!
How has working on Spitting Image impacted on your work as an artist?
It came during the pandemic and was a total lifeline to me. It kept me working and being able to support my family and of course as an impressionist it felt like a pinnacle in my career.
How does it feel to perform come out from behind the puppets for your Edinburgh Fringe show?
Very exciting! Theatre and live performance is how I started out. Voice work came a little later on. I absolutely love both and I hope to continue to do both for the rest of my career. I absolutely love all of the animation voice work I do. It keeps life very interesting, upbeat and fun.
