Fringe Review: JITTERS, Old Lab at Summerhall
Photo credit: Alex Brenner
Jitters is centred around the rather surreal occurrence of a bride meeting their new stepdaughter on their wedding day - and their stepdaughter is exactly the same age as them.
Written by Ellen Robertson, this play is exceptionally well crafted. To begin with, the play is an out-and-out laugh a minute comedy. As things progress and more truths (or opinions) are laid out, tensions rise gradually until the stepdaughter can hold their grief in no longer.
The play is performed by comedy duo Britney - Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson. The huge contrast between the personalities brought to life, and emphasised by the costume design, leads to a lot of the comedy. Robertson plays the bride and is wonderfully outlandish and high energy whilst never being too over the top. Clive delivers a heartfelt performance - moving yet full of strength. The pair’s long standing relationship as a comedy duo means they bounce off one another incredibly well.
Director Emily Burns ensures the fairly stationary play remains fast paced and high energy, whilst also making sure the dialogue comes across exceptionally naturally.
Not many things get standing ovations at the Fringe but most of the audience leapt to their feet to celebrate this brilliantly written play, performed by two outstanding actors.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush