Jessica Rowbottom is the frontwoman and singular member of the band ‘The Bleeding Obvious’. Rowbottom’s cabaret show covers her own experience coming out, dating and simply existing as a lesbian woman in Yorkshire – all of course intertwined with a self-composed soundtrack. Running at the Underbelly Bristo Sq. venue Daisy ‘The Bleeding Obvious’ is a little rainbow gem of a show, waiting to be walked into.
The opening, “Labels” is cheerful and quirky as Rowbottom tells the audience “life is never quite as straight as it seems.” The set covers pride washing, transgender rights, internet dating fails and negotiating difficult partygoers who may or may not be called Dave. Closing the show we have “One Foot in Front of the Other,” an optimistic and melodic pop song which seals off the hopeful and heartwarming show.
With a mix of piano ballads, disco numbers and alt rock influences it is clear that Jessica Rowbottom has developed her musicianship growing up in the 80s. There is an elaborate set up on stage as “The Bleeding Obvious” contains a mix of piano ballads such as “Rainbow Hearts” performed by Jessica herself as well as pre-recorded backing tracks for some of the more up-beat numbers all controlled from a wee laptop. There is even room for a melodica solo! Rowbottom is extremely musical, her compositions, particularly those with more fleshed-out tracks and backing vocals allow her speech-sung delivery to thrive. Her lyrics are witty, angry and inspirational though at some points a touch repetitive.
The Bleeding Obvious is a completely necessary show to be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show finds humour and hope in a life story that can be related to by so many. And of course, the addition of some catchy songs can only be the cherry on top of it all.
The Bleeding Obvious is running at the Daisy – Underbelly Bristo Sq on 7th-9th & 11th-14th @ 22.15pm.
Get your tickets for ‘The Bleeding Obvious’ below:
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22The%20Bleeding%20Obvious%22
Theatre Scotland 
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