Jacqueline Kennedy is the subject of new musical ‘JACKIE!!!’, which is debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe this Summer. Marrying into one of America’s most prominent political families, the former First Lady was known for her grace and class, even in the face of adversity. Being in the public eye so much can’t have been easy and the musical looks to explore the lady behind the mask, the harsh realities of being part of the Kennedy family and the misfortunes that came with it. Living in Kent, I am always keen to support local artists heading up to Edinburgh and Nancy Edwards, one of the book writers and lyricists for ‘JACKIE!!!’, was actually born in Margate. I had the opportunity to ask Nancy some questions about the musical and find out how the creative team approached telling Jackie Kennedy’s story.
What can you tell me about how you got into playwriting?
I’ve always written plays and stories since I was young, but I think my first real introduction to playwriting was when I was about 9 years old. I wrote my own version of ‘Cinderella’ and took it to my head teacher, who then encouraged me to hold auditions and put the play on properly. Since then, I’ve always been involved in drama and dance clubs extracurricular to school, and have written for myself in my spare time. However, it wasn’t until I went to University at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama that I was able to put on one of my own plays again, which was my playwriting debut with Chapter Theatre Company, ‘Am I Pretty When I Cry?’.
You were born in Margate, Kent. To what extent has coming from such a creative place impacted your artistic journey so far?
I think the thing about Margate that has impacted my artistic journey most is its gorgeous, historic theatres and the local community of theatre companies and dance schools. I received most of my dance and musical theatre training from JoJo’s School of Dance in Margate, but I was also involved in performances with Regency Productions and Ramsgate Operatics Society at different points throughout my childhood and teenage years. Theatre was a big part of my life growing up, and I remember my favourite theatre always being the Theatre Royal in Margate, because of its beauty and rich history. The first time that I did a show in that theatre, I was so excited, and I remember signing my name and leaving a kiss mark on the wall like all the older girls did. I really really look forward to that theatre reopening, because I would love to visit it again.
You are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with a new musical about Jackie Kennedy and one of America’s most famous political families. What inspired you to create a show about the former First Lady?
The idea began when Joe [McNeice] and I worked together on Front of House at a theatre in London. He thought that I really looked like Jackie Kennedy, then it turned into a bit of a joke where we were talking to each other in these ridiculous Boston accents as Jackie and JFK. Then we decided to start writing a musical about it, and Joe got Max [Alexander-Taylor] on board to write the music. The more we researched about Jackie’s life and the illustrious Kennedy family, the more we realised how important this story is currently. It brings up themes of presidency, power, media control and the roles and expectations of famous women.
‘JACKIE!!!’ is a collaboration between Joe McNeice (book writer/lyricist), Max Alexander-Taylor (composer/lyricist) and yourself (book writer/lyricist). What can you tell me about your creative process?
The creative process has been enormously collaborative. From the beginning, we wrote a lot together, sat in the foyer of the National Theatre, or at someone’s house. We’ll do long writing sessions together, set tasks to do in the time before our next meeting (as we’ve all been super busy throughout), then reconvene and review our material. Then repeat, and repeat, and repeat. We have a great collaborative dynamic between the three of us, we’re all equally supportive and honest, which is vital when writing together over an extended period of time. Joe and Max are both amazing to work with, and as a young writer beginning my career, I’m so grateful for how their talent and experience has helped me to improve.
The musical ‘takes a no-holds-barred look at the darker side of the Kennedy dynasty’. To what extent did the material evolve as you were researching the renowned family?
By now, the show has been through quite a few iterations, as we’ve gradually refined the tone and trajectory of the story. We knew from the beginning that we wanted the show to be funny, because the characters are so iconic and well known. However, the more we researched this time in history, and the infamous Kennedy curse, we realised that we had a story that was a lot darker than we had anticipated, so it’s been about trying to balance the tone between drama and comedy. Also, as the events of the play are based on (allegedly) true events and people, we really want audiences laughing at all of these outrageous things that (allegedly) happened and coming out of the theatre wanting to learn more.
If you were to describe the score in one word, what would it be and why?
Incredible. Because it is (thanks to Max).
What do you hope Edinburgh audiences take away from the show?
I hope that audiences walk out of the theatre feeling curious and wanting to know more about the lives of these iconic characters! Researching for this project has been one of my favourite things about it, and there were so many interesting and insane stories that we couldn’t include, simply because we’re limited to an hour at Fringe.
Watching ‘JACKIE!!!’ at the Edinburgh Fringe
The musical definitely sounds like it’s going to look beyond the fashion and cultural icon and delve deep into the darker side of being a Kennedy. It was fascinating to hear more about the show and its journey to the Fringe from Nancy. ‘JACKIE!!!’ is at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Big Yin) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August 2025 (excluding 11th). Performances start daily at 18:30, with tickets available via the festival website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
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