list.co.uk/festival Female Impressionists | F E S T I VA L F E AT U R E S
AT I O N G A M E people impersonating other people. The ancient art of mimicry is alive ask a sextet of acts some questions about impressionist matters
P H O T O :
K A R L A G O W L E T T
J ESS RO B I N S O N JA N RAV E N S
Do you prefer to be called impersonator, impressionist, mimic, or something else entirely? I think of myself as FAR more than an impressionist. Impressions is just one set of skills I bring to the party. I’m a comedian, singer, actress and impressionist in that order! What was the first impression you ever attempted? Apart from my mum (to make my friends laugh), it was Kate Bush. I LOVED her voice and her dancing. She’s a gift for an impressionist. She’s so distinctive in looks and movement as well as her incredible singing voice. What is the finest impersonation you’ve ever heard by someone else? I particularly love Lewis MacLeod. He’s incredibly talented. Matt Forde is another favourite of mine because he’s such a fine satirist. It’s all about the material for me.
Is there one impersonation that you’ve tried and tried, but just cannot quite get right? Taylor Swift. Even though I enjoy her songs, I find her voice so bland. There’s nothing distinctive to hook onto. Who is your favourite impersonator working today? I love Tracey Ullman. I always admire not only her aptitude for brilliant voices, but also her incredible comedy performances. She’s a very funny lady. Oh, and Dawn French’s Björk and Fern Britton will always be favourites of mine. For me impressions are about either making people laugh or moving them.
n The Jess Robinson Experience, Assembly Rooms, 3–24 Aug (not 12), 7pm, £13–£15 (£12–£14). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £10.
Do you prefer to be called impersonator, impressionist, mimic, or something else entirely? Actor SLASH comedian SLASH impressionist. What was the first impression you ever attempted? The first impression I ever did was my mum. She sounded a bit like Hyacinth Bucket.
What is the finest impersonation you’ve ever heard by someone else? I’ve always had a soft spot for Jon Culshaw’s John Craven, Rory Bremner’s Nick Robinson, and Debra Stephenson’s Claudia Winkleman. Duncan Wisbey’s Paul McCartney is brilliant and Lewis MacLeod’s Trump is inspired.
Is there one impersonation that you’ve tried and tried, but just cannot quite get right? Jenni Murray from Woman’s Hour. Can’t get deep or husky enough . . .
Who is your favourite impersonator working today? I work with so many of them I couldn’t possibly say! The guys are all so brilliant in their different ways. I would like to see more young female impressionists coming up, particularly doing satirical material. Of the younger guys, Luke Kempner and Josh Berry are doing some very well- observed stuff. n Jan Ravens appears in Dead Ringers, Pleasance at EICC, 3–13 Aug, 6.30pm, £17 (£16). Preview 2 Aug, £10.
31 Jul–7 Aug 2019 THE LIST FESTIVAL 25