A perfect kitchen-sink drama
Entering the theatre to an EDM-corrupted bridal waltz (and, I guess, from the title of the show), it’s clear Charlotte’s wedding might not go ahead. Shielding her hair as she runs into the vestry, Charlotte (Charly Clive) chatters nervously, seemingly trying to convince herself to get married, before deciding the make-up artist hasn’t done a good enough job and wiping it all off to start again. Charlotte is joined by Elle (Elle Robertson), her soon-to-be stepdaughter. It seems to be the first time they’ve met; they also seem to be about the same age. Unfolding from this is a delightful domestic intrigue taking in class, female power and the millennial plight. Jitters stands out for its spiky warmth, attributable both to a brilliant script offering abundant laughs and compelling drama, and the excellent chemistry of its performers.
Both actors nail their comic timing and deliver dialogue textured with emotion. Their chemistry will come as no surprise to followers of Britney – as Clive and Robertson’s double act is known – who can also catch their evening sketch show throughout this Fringe run. Clive is hilarious as the friendly, strong-willed bride who always manages to put her foot in it, but also knows how to fight her corner while applying a full face of makeup. Elle’s torn emotions pull at the heartstrings, particularly a resonant description of struggling to cope with her mother’s death – as it turns out, not very long ago at all.
The conversation – ranging from near-smalltalk to tense interrogation – has a wonderful claustrophobia. Both hopeful bride Charlotte and bitter stepchild Elle are utterly convincing, and I found myself flip-flopping from one side to another throughout Jitters’ tight hour. Once Elle discovers the communion wine, her questions become more pointed, and Charlotte feels freer to be honest. Both think they have the upper hand. It’s incredibly well-paced, with every line unfolding at exactly the right time. Humour is found even in the darkest moments, and a very convincing confrontation escalates.
This makes Jitters the perfect kitchen-sink drama. It uses compelling conflict and engaging comedy to smuggle in a sweeping narrative that interrogates big ideas around grief, age-gap relationships and cultural attitudes towards femininity. At the same time its domestic dispute remains firmly in the centre of the frame, stoking its claustrophobia. An electric chemistry between its performers, an authentic and textured script, and simple staging that trusts the performances to speak for themselves make Jitters the best thing I’ve seen at the Fringe.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jitters
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Old Lab, Summerhall
Dates: Aug 6th–17th, 19th–21st
Time: 12:00 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £17 / concessions £14.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com