Ali McGregor

As soon as Ali McGregor takes to the stage to sing she has the audience captivated for the rest of the evening. A seasoned performer (she has appeared in La Clique, and in The Opera Burlesque at previous Fringes) she commands the stage with her warm professionalism, confidence and outstanding voice.

Surrounded with talented musicians on the drums, double bass and piano, McGregor skips the opera and comedy-harp songs this year, and performs classic jazz hits instead. Highlights Billie Holiday’s ‘Fine and Mellow’ along with a sophisticated rendition of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ that makes hair stand on end.

McGregor injects humour and charm into her performance by giving Britney Spears’ ‘Oops! … I Did It Again’ a jazz makeover, drawing laughs from the audience.

Her velvet vocals have the ability to transport the audience to a smoky 1940s jazz bar, blending modern popular hits with the great jazz divas, and ensure this show is likely to be a sell-out for the rest of the month.

Ali McGregor: Jazz Cigarette, Assembly @George Street, 0131 623 3030, from 23 Aug - 30 Aug, 8pm, £12 (£11).