In this cross-cultural cabaret offering, actor, singer, comedian, and voice artist Jess Robinson channels the talent and musicality of a variety of female artists into the songs of Elton John. Created in collaboration with Musical Director Matthew Floyd Jones, the show had a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2025, and Robinson is now taking it on tour, kicking off in London at the intimate and exclusive Crazy Coqs.
Describing herself as a “multi-hyphenated creative,” Robinson is talented, funny, and very likeable. She chats with the audience as the show starts, building a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere before she dives into the musical memories of Elton John delivered in “the voices of iconic women.” Robinson is also an impressionist, with a regular place on Radio 4’s Dead Ringers, and she demonstrates her talents by producing pitch-perfect renditions of Elton’s hit songs in the style of various divas, including Britney Spears, Katherine Jenkins, Billie Eilish, Judy Garland and many more. Standout moments were her take on Amy Winehouse singing ‘Tiny Dancer’, and the finale, powerfully channelling the spirit of Barbra Streisand.
Robinson says that the “girls” are living in her head, talking to her and fighting to sing the songs. She switches between personas with ease and her versatility peaked in a rendition of ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, where she flawlessly impersonated 20 different women during the one number.
Elton’s songs remain familiar but are re-worked enough to have their own spin, often injecting snippets of the work of the female artists themselves – so ‘Yellow Brick Road’ sung by Kate Bush suddenly morphs into ‘Running Up That Hill’. This is not a tribute act or comedy show, but a cabaret performance combining comedy, impressions and stunning vocal prowess. It is a very fitting show for the glitzy camp of the Crazy Coqs.
Much of the audience appeared to be regular followers, with the majority admitting to having seen Robinson before. You can see why she has a following – naturally entertaining, funny and able to blow you away with the range and scale of her voice, which is impressive even when she is not mimicking other singers. The music is pre-recorded and I would love to have seen what Robinson is capable of with a live band, but this doesn’t spoil the show. Elton Reimagined remains a very enjoyable 75 minutes, made even better by the choice of venue. Jess Robinson is one to watch out for in the future.
Review by Fiona Gilbert
Channelling a variety of legendary female artists, from pop royalty such as Britney Spears and Shakira, stars of the silver screen, including Judy Garland and Julie Andrews, to opera greats such as Katherine Jenkins, Jess transforms Elton’s classics into something simultaneously familiar, surprising, and spectacular. Combining heartfelt musicality with playful humour and a touch of theatrical magic, Jess delivers a show that is more than just a tribute – it is a celebration of Elton John’s music reimagined through the voices of iconic women.
Experience Elton’s timeless hits like you’ve never heard them before.
JESS ROBINSON: ELTON REIMAGINED
Crazy Coqs, 2 June 2026
Underbelly Boulevard, 1 to 5 July 2026
Piccolo Tent, Assembly George Square at the Edinburgh Fringe, 5 to 30 August 2026
