We sent our reviewer James to watch Little Pink Dress

Dolly Parton has her Coat of Many Colours, Nancy Sinatra has her Boots Made for Walking, and now Joey Jennings has his Little Pink Dress.

So, honestly, this is what I come to the Fringe for – a spectacular, unexpected discovery in an unassuming wee room at the back of some bar or other unlikely venue, hastily converted into a black box studio theatre for the month.

Awaiting the start, we look at a stark stage, bathed in a soft pink light with just a stool, a bench, a cowboy hat, and a mic stand. Jennings enters, standing atop the bench like a rock star accepting rapturous applause and adulation from an unseen crowd beyond. He then turns, climbs down, takes the mic, and the show begins. 

Jennings’ voice is incredible, not only technically extremely skilled, but also full of personality and a character that adapts as the play requires it. Stephen Sondheim, the doyen of American musical theatre, always said he preferred an actor a who could sing to a singer who could act and Jennings’ beautiful vocals act their socks off throughout the show. 

The audience were perhaps somewhat taken aback when the first song came out a little brasher than expected, and it should be noted that, although hilarious, there are some darker moments and difficult themes addressed (see website synopsis). However, Jennings always looks after the audience and we were soon back onboard. Little Pink Dress is at times as delicate as its title garment and at others as rough as a pair of old jeans, and all the more delightful for it. The music is primarily rock, erring towards country, although there are a few other genres peppered in there as well including nods to well-known musicals, and even a little tango riff, all of which are expertly written and delivered.

Since the piece is based on an original album of autobiographical songs, the music, understandably, is the star of the show. But what sets it apart from other similar works, even big label ones like Hadestown, is that the book is looked after just as much as the music, forming the crucial connective tissue, both verbally and physically, that helps the whole piece hang together exquisitely. 

On a personal level, as a little queer boy and now a somewhat larger queer man, there is both incredible joy and much-needed catharsis in seeing our stories told unapologetically on stage through song, and in having them be the universal stories that everyone relates to. This show is for anyone who has ever struggled with their family or felt the pain of heartbreak.

This really is what Fringe is all about. I wish the team all the success with this show and greatly look forward to seeing what they produce next. In the meantime, pop on your favourite clobber, sit back, and enjoy the sublime Little Pink Dress.

Rating: ***** 5 stars

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