★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An hour that's full of gags, amazing vocals and dazzling costumes. A perfect introduction to who Jayde is as a person and as a performer.
Last year in my review for Jayde Adams I commented on her ability to make an audience laugh and cry. This year however, as she returns for her fifth Edinburgh hour, she spares the audience from tears, despite songs about crying on stage and apologising to her father, and just allows the audience to laugh. Refreshing for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Acts have to choose their show titles so far in advance that often it doesn't relate to the hour they end up taking to Edinburgh. But not for Jayde. The Divine Ms Jayde, seemingly inspired by the Bette Midler album The Divine Miss M is such an apt title for an hour that's full of gags, amazing vocals and dazzling costumes.
There's a trend for sad and meaningful shows at Edinburgh, shows that will leave you thinking, but I'm 100 percent here for shows like Jayde Adams' where she unashamedly entertains for an hour. And let's not forget, Jayde is capable of entertaining an audience more than most. She has that unique ability to connect with an audience of all ages and background.
From the moment she's wheeled on by a man dressed in a gimp suit, as she's sat in a floral arbour similar to the one in her poster, you know this isn't going to be your average Edinburgh hour.
This is very much Jayde's show. The songs are about her and her life. It's her face on the poster. And it could have easily been called Jayde Adams: The Musical. For another performer, that might seem a bit narcissistic but that's all part of Jayde's appeal and her charm. She's unapologetically proud of who she is, proud to be sassy and proud to be fearless. She embraces her Bristolian accent, she embraces her weight and as an audience we in return completely embrace her.
Whilst the hour is all about Jayde, she's not alone on stage. Helping her this year are Richard Thomas and Rich Wilson. Thomas is the co-creator of Jerry Springer: The Opera and accompanies her on the piano throughout, whilst Wilson is Jayde's real-life boyfriend and comedian (also performing at the Fringe), who she dresses up in a gimp suit and calls 'Pudding' as he attends to her every need.
This might be Jayde's fifth Edinburgh hour but for me, The Divine Ms Jayde felt like the debut she deserved to have. It's a perfect introduction to who Jayde is as a person and as a performer. And if this doesn't secure her her own television show or a run in the West End, then I'm not sure what else can.
I'm not sure I've ever experienced joy at the Fringe quite like I did last night sat in the 172-seater venue (an upgrade from last year) at the Pleasance Courtyard. For my first night in Edinburgh this year, Jayde's show reminded me why I love the Fringe so much. She encapsulates the spirit of what the Fringe should be which is entertaining.
It's also worth noting that the few standing ovations at the end of her performance were well deserved. Jayde could not have given more to that show. Standing up and telling jokes is difficult enough. Singing them is even harder, especially when you have the vocal capability that Jayde has.
If you're looking for straight stand-up, Jayde's perhaps not your girl. But if you're looking to be entertained through laughter and songs by a performer who continues to be on the rise and is a definite star in the making, then I'd waste no time in booking a ticket to her show.
Jayde Adams: The Divine Ms Jayde runs until 27th August at 9:30pm at The Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Two). Book tickets here.
(This review was based on the performance from Wednesday 15th August 2018)