A review of Jess Robinson: Legacy, Fringe 2022

I feel foolish now. I had considered booking Jess Robinson: Legacy as one of my brave “Why the heck not?” moves of the Fringe.

It’s a presumption that Robinson has TV creds because she was able to fill Pleasance Above on Black Wednesday, the slowest day of the Fringe. It’s a deduction based on her impression and musical skills. It’s not why I went; I was just looking to broaden my horizons.

My horizons were broadened. I’ve now seen a little of Love Island (and it’s as terrible as I suspected) and picked up on some Eastenders gossip. All new and not stuff I’d typically consider, but while I didn’t get all of Jess’ mainstream culture references, I did enjoy all the show!

Besides, Legacy turns out to be safe as houses for this geek as we talk about ruining the planet, trying to make time for arts and culture and with plenty of geeky jokes. Yes, geeky jokes like USB sticks, Zoom sound effects and even some pretty high-tech real-time not-quite-deep fake technology.

Legacy

Jess Robinson’s Legacy is musical and impressions. The narrative gives us a message (let’s not screw up the planet anymore, let’s not be arseholes), and it’s the platform for some great power ballads sung in a dozen voices.

There are jokes and political jokes as appropriate (if you can’t laugh at the state of affairs, then what can you do?), cultural jokes and the 2022 recurring concern about being cancelled.

There’s societal commentary as it rarely hurts to be reminded about the day’s issues. What would you do to protect arts and culture? As your power bill mushrooms with war and profit, will you find either time or money to support artists and entertainers? Could you have made them through the lockdown without them? Can they make it through the cost of living crisis without us?

It was also my first trip to Pleasance Above, which isn’t quite as comfortable as Pleasance One, but still a great view of a close-and-personal stage. I didn’t see any way for wheelchairs to get in, but surely there would be one in this day and age.

Overall

Jess Robinson greets the audience at the door, saying hi and introducing herself as we file in. At least, she did for the first few minutes of shuffling crowds, and I was impressed. It also put me at ease. Robinson has an easy and reassuring charisma.

Legacy will make you think if you want. Or, if you prefer, you can sit back, relax, laugh and enjoy the show.

I can’t call Legacy a surprise hit of the show because I had no expectations. Instead, I’ll call it a delightful discovery. It’s one to catch.