Jackie!!!, Blair Russell Productions Review
Written by Kerry McLaughlin for Theatre & Tonic
Jackie Kennedy in her pink suit is one of the most recognised images in American history, so when Jackie!!! opens with our protagonist straight after her husband’s premature death, we are believed the show will explore the post-Kennedy era of Jaqueline’s life. However, instead of focusing solely on one particular period, the audience are taken on a journey, almost gliding through her life.
Nancy Edwards is remarkable as Jackie O, She hovers over the line of respectful and mocking without ever going into the latter. The rest of the cast are on par, providing amazing vocals that melt together with what feels like second nature. And even with the darker tone the show takes, during pivotal beats, the comedy lands surprisingly well, making sure the audience never feels too depressed. There was the opportunity to include a few more laughs here and there, but can understand they didn’t want to make it too tongue-in-cheek and fall into the parody trap a lot of fringe shows fall into accidentally.
Jackie!!! plays at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 25 August
★ ★ ★ .5
