What to expect from Judy In Person, a Fringe show playing out at Kemp Town’s New Steine Hotel? Will it be a magical insight into Judy’s mind and life, a historical presentation or maybe drag?

Classed as cabaret in the programme, it is actually raw, uncluttered theatre. This is quickly apparent as Grégoire Aubert, the show’s star and creator, immerses himself in the icon, playing out her sometimes tragic life story with real humour and feeling. The performance’s intimate space in the cellar feels rather like voyeuristically peering into someone’s front room and at times it is difficult to know whether to laugh or cry.

Judy In Person is an allegorical piece of performance art that aims to illuminate Judy’s personality. Grégoire takes on Judy’s persona and presents a whistlestop tour of her life in words and song – of which there is a delicious choice, from the lesser known to the classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

He lays his heart bare in what must be an exhausting set but in a way which really carries you with him. This passion makes for joyous theatre and compounds the sense of a connection between Grégoire and Judy – a happy countenance and quick wit belying despair and tragedy.

This is a real gem – go with an open mind and enjoy the ride.