Hi folks
Blimey! Have I not posted since January??? Erm, sorry (hangs head in shame). Things have been a bit busy and I'll post a wee blog about the America trip in the coming few days. I've also got some information about my favourite UK magic Convention which I am not yet allowed to divulge but will do as soon as I am allowed to.
No, don't ask. I'm not allowed! Pain of death and all that.
Anyway, onto this particular blog. As regular readers (greetings) will no doubt remember, I am a great fan of the Edinburgh Fringe. I try to get through at least once in August to see as much as I can. As a magician, I like to find out who is all performing and this year is a bumper one! There are, at current count, 41 magic and magic-related shows on as part of this year's Fringe. Here's this year's list.
CABARET
Bespoke Magic – On the Fringe of Reality
Bruce Glen – The Gentleman Magician
Bruce Glen, the Gentleman Magician, presents a unique combination of storytelling and extraordinary magic – amid the mysterious surrounds of the atmospheric Roman Eagle Lodge.
C aquila • Roman Eagle Lodge , EH1 2PW
Box Office 0845 260 1234
Aug 4-5,15,22-23: 18:10 (1h) £7.50 (£6.50)
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,26-29: 18:10 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
Aug 10-11,17-18,24-25: 18:10 (1h) £8.50 (£7.50)
Chris Cross is Escaping from Reality
Chris Cross Entertainments/PBH's Free Fringe
Chris Cross is a contortionist and escapologist who travels worldwide with his one-man, critically acclaimed show. He is cheeky, funny, energetic and positively different to anything else you will see at the Fringe. www.chris-cross.co.uk The Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Box Office 0131 226 0000
Aug 6-27: 21:35 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Comedium
Peter Antoniou
Award-winning comedy mind reader Peter Antoniou guides you through his world of psychic weirdness. A blend of documentary and jaw-dropping mind reading demonstrations wrapped up with trademark humour, this will leave you asking, is your mind safe? ‘Brilliant’ (BBC).
Sweet Grassmarket • Apex City Hotel, 61 Grassmarket, EH1 2JF
Box Office 0131 243 3596
Aug 4-5: 14:05 (55m) £5.00
Aug 6-15,17-21: 14:05 (55m) £7.00 (£5.50)
Aug 22-28: 13:30 (55m) £7.00 (£5.00)
Doug Segal: I Know What You're Thinking – Free
Doug Segal/Laughing Horse Free Festival
BBC mind reader teaches audiences to detect lies, read minds and implant suggestions, with laughs and rakish charm. Hard science abused for tawdry entertainment. ‘Imagine a funny Derren Brown’ (Evening Standard). www.iknowwhatyouarethinking.co.uk Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters • 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS
Box Office 0131 622 6801
Aug 4-13: 20:45 (1h) (Free Ticketed)
Fate and Two Sugars
Jack Barton
Having spent years acquiring a bizarre collection of skills, Jack is live in Edinburgh to demonstrate them. Be dazzled, confused or amused as he fashions psychological mysteries that must either be scientific breakthroughs or elaborate trickery.
Hill Street Theatre • 19 Hill Street, EH2 3JP
Box Office 0131 226 6522
Aug 22-23,25-29: 22:45 (1h15m) £10.00 (£8.00)
The Grumpy Magicians
Paul Temple and John Hearn/PBH’s Free Fringe
Ryan's Bar • 2-4 Hope Street, EH2 4DB
Aug 6-28: 19:40 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
James Galea – I Hate Rabbits
James Galea Entertainment
Critically acclaimed high energy magic concert from Australia's No. 1 magician. Galea’s unique, cutting-edge style seamlessly fuses his wicked humour with award-winning magic. 'James Galea has reinvented the art of trickery' (Daily Telegraph).
The Playhouse at Hawke and Hunter Green Room • 12 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT
Box Office 0844 871 3014
Aug 5-7,11-14,18-21,25-28: 19:30 (1h) £12.50 (£11.50)
Aug 8-10,15-17,22-24,29: 19:30 (1h) £11.50 (£10.50)
Oliver Meech: Live Brain Surgery – Free
Oliver Meech/Laughing Horse Free Festival
Journey inside some extraordinary minds with magic boffin Oliver Meech. Experience gruesome surgery, bizarre neurological phenomena and freaky tricks in this mind-expanding, mind-blowing magic show. 2010 show: 'fascinated' (Fest), **** (LoveFringe). www.magicmeech.com Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters • 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS
Box Office 0131 622 6801
Aug 4: 18:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Aug 5-15,17-28: 18:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
SwissOH!vation
Freddie Rutz
The multi-talented Swiss entertainer Freddie Rutz fascinates any audience with his charm and makes people laugh and think! The former professional dancer and magician in his solo variety show that toured in Asia and all over Europe! www.freddierutz.com Spotlites @ The Merchants' Hall • 22 Hanover Street, EH2 2EP
Box Office 0131 220 5911
Aug 5-13: 21:05 (50m) £9.00 (£8.00)
Wet Paint: A Magic Show – Free
Ben Hart and Neil Kelso/PBH’s Free Fringe
Ben Hart and Neil Kelso, the award-winning brains behind illusions and special effects seen on stage, television and movies, unveil new and astounding magical illusions from the darkest corners of their unusual imaginations.
The Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Box Office 0131 226 0000
Aug 5-29: 12:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
CHILDREN’S
The Amazing Bubble Show
The Amazing Bubble Man (USA)
Breathtaking bubbles, people inside bubbles, square bubbles, amazing bubble colours, sculptural bubbles, special effect bubbles. A show for kids of all ages to thrill, laugh, love and learn about the world of Bubble-ology. Book early.
C too • St Columba's by the Castle, EH1 2PW
Box Office 0845 260 1234
Aug 4-5,16,22-23: 12:05 (45m) £7.50 (£6.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 6-9,13-14,20-21,27-29: 12:05 (45m) £9.50 (£8.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 10-12,17-19,24-26: 12:05 (45m) £8.50 (£7.50) (£6.50 C)
Aug 4-5,16,22-23: 13:05 (45m) £7.50 (£6.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 6-9,13-14,20-21,27-29: 13:05 (45m) £9.50 (£8.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 10-12,17-19,24-26: 13:05 (45m) £8.50 (£7.50) (£6.50 C)
The I Hate Children Children's Show!
Bad Magician
Sick of kids shows making you want to vom in your sippy cup but need to keep little monsters entertained? This is for you. Stunning magic, irreverent humour, fun for all. 'Wonderfulness' ***** (ThreeWeeks).
Zoo Southside • 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
Box Office 0131 662 6892
Aug 6-29: 12:30 (45m) £7.50
Kreestan Sennakie's Magical Story Emporium
Quids In Theatre Company
Welcome to our Story Emporium! Kreestan brings wonderful tales to life through a mixture of magical storytelling, illusion and audience participation. Family fun is always guaranteed when the doors open to the Magical Emporium!
theSpaces on North Bridge • Carlton Hotel, North Bridge, EH1 2HE
Box Office 0845 557 6308
Aug 5-6: 11:10 (45m) £4.00 (£2.50)
Aug 8-13: 11:10 (45m) £5.00 (£3.00)
Toybox
Billy Kirkwood, Sian Bevan, Steven Dick/Stand Comedy Club
Comedians Billy Kirkwood, Sian Bevan and Steven Dick take you on a hilarious bouncy castle of laughter in this awesome new interactive kids comedy show, featuring stand-up, games, magic and much more – come and play in the Toybox!
The Stand Comedy Club • 5 York Place, EH1 3EB
Box Office 0131 558 7272
Aug 5-16,19-21,26-28: 12:45 (1h) £6.00
COMEDY
Ali Cook – Principles and Deceptions
Bound and Gagged Comedy by arrangement with International Artistes
Star of ITV's Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Dirty Tricks (Channel 4) and Monkey Magic (Five), Ali Cook returns with more awe-inspiring magic. 'Stunning tricks. Truly awesome' (Chortle.co.uk), 'Immensely funny' (Telegraph). www.alicook.com Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ
Box Office 0131 622 6552
Aug 3-5: 21:30 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-7,12-14,19-21,26-28: 21:30 (1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 8-9,11,15-16,18,22-25,29: 21:30 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Barry and Stuart – Show and Tell: The Show
Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent
Join ‘genuinely remarkable’ (Sunday Telegraph) Scottish Bafta nominated magicians Barry and Stuart (stars of The Magicians, BBC1) for a mindblowing hour of ‘pure magic’ (List). ‘Watch and marvel’ (Scotland on Sunday).
Udderbelly's Pasture • Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0844 545 8252
Aug 3-5: 22:15 (1h) £7.00
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,26-28: 22:15 (1h) £14.00 (£13.00)
Aug 10-11,15-18,22-25: 22:15 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Barry and Stuart – Show and Tell: The Tell
Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent
How’s it done? Here’s your chance to find out! In the Fringe’s most intimate venue, Barry and Stuart will reveal the secrets behind the magic from The Show. Limited tickets available.
Udderbelly's Pasture • Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0844 545 8252
Aug 3-5: 00:00 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,26-28: 00:00 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Aug 10-11,15-18,22-25: 00:00 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
The Boy With Tape On His Face
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex Management
The Boy returns with his award-winning show. It’s still good. ‘Utterly spectacular!’ ***** (Time Out), ‘A truly magical experience’ ***** (Chortle.co.uk). As seen on ITV1’s Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford. 100% sell-out 2010.
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ
Box Office 0131 556 6550
Aug 15-18,22-25: 21:10 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50)
Aug 19-21,26-28: 21:10 (1h) £12.50 (£11.50)
Chris Cox: Fatal Distraction
Phil McIntyre Entertainments
Fifth show from multi award winning mind reader who can’t read minds. He’s been on TV, toured the world and is somehow still getting away with it. 'One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain' (Guardian). www.magiccox.com Pleasance Dome • Potterow, 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0131 556 6550
Aug 3-5: 19:10 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-7,12-14,19-21,26-28: 19:10 (1h) £14.00 (£12.50)
Aug 8-11,15,17-18,22-25,29: 19:10 (1h) £12.00 (£10.50)
Devious Minds
Maudsley and Shoesmith
Deviously funny and fiendishly clever mindtricks from professional members of the Magic Circle! Shoesmith amuses with wit and sleightof- hand, Maudsley tells you it’s a con from the start but by the end you’ll believe he reads minds! www.deviousminds.co.uk Spotlites @ The Merchants' Hall • 22 Hanover Street, EH2 2EP
Box Office 0131 220 5911
Aug 14-22: 19:10 (1h10m) £9.00 (£8.00)
Disco in a Dungeon
Just the Tonic
Edinburgh's biggest club night! Voted one of the top 100 venues in the world! Lying in the cavernous depths of the hollow arches under South Bridge. Big name DJ's, fire-eaters, magicians, 70s to 90s and now!
Just The Tonic at the Caves • Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate, EH1 1LG
Box Office 0131 556 5375
Aug 5-6: 00:00 (3h) £5.00
Aug 7,11-14,18-21,25-28: 00:00 (4h30m) £8.00
Hypnotist, Titan Knight
Titan Knight.com
Witness phenomenal feats of pure mind magic as Canada’s premier hypnotist invites you on an insane unpredictable journey through the subconscious. Astonished audience members are left asking what’s real and what’s not? See it for yourself! www.titanknight.com City Edinburgh • 1a Market Street, EH1 1DE
Box Office 0131 226 0000
Aug 7: 23:00 (1h30m) £6.00
Aug 8-9,14-18,21: 23:00 (1h30m) £13.00
Aug 22-25,28: 23:30 (1h30m) £13.00
Ian D Montfort – Spirit Comedium
Cheerful Earful Productions
Tom Binns returns with an incredible new show for Ian D Montfort, a spookily skilful, wonderfully observed and hysterically funny spirit medium who contacts the dead with faintly inexplicable clairvoyant revelations, leaving the audience gasping.
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ
Box Office 0131 556 6550
Aug 3-5: 18:15 (1h) £10.00 (£8.00)
Aug 6-7,12-14,19-21,26-28: 18:15 (1h) £14.00 (£12.00)
Aug 8-11,15-18,22-25: 18:15 (1h) £12.00 (£10.00)
Kevin Cruise
Assembly
Teatime cruise ship capers with legendary high seas host. Comedy, magic, game shows, sing-a-long classics and bingo. Pack your bags and party on down. ‘Sheer entertainment – I love Kevin Cruise’ (Amanda Holden), ‘Absolutely no comment’ (Simon Cowell).
Assembly George Square • George Square, EH8 9LH
Box Office 0131 623 3030
Aug 3-5: 15:50 (50m) £5.00
Aug 6-7,12-14,19-21,26-28: 15:50 (50m) £12.00 (£10.00)
Aug 8-11,16-18,22-25,29: 15:50 (50m) £10.00 (£8.00)
Mind Reading for Breakfast
'Psychic' Psychologist – Rob Bailey
Reiki, homeopathy and ESP: mumbo-jumbo or truth? Decide over free coffee and croissants as Fringe veteran Psychic Psychologist recreates parascientific illusions during this funny, informative show. 'Ditches paranormal waffle without compromising mystique' **** (Big Issue). www.psychicpsychologist.co.uk Sweet Grassmarket • Apex City Hotel, 61 Grassmarket, EH1 2JF
Box Office 0131 243 3596
Aug 4-5: 11:30 (1h) £5.00
Aug 6-29: 11:30 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Mogic
Hiatus Theatre in association with The Scat Pack
A mail order magic kit. A magician and his glamourous assistants with only an instructional cassette to follow. Hilarious farce meets breathtaking magic. 'Astonishing performance' **** (Chortle.co.uk). 'Hysterical. The audience is literally speechless with laughter' (Hairline.org.uk). www.hiatustheatre.co.uk C soco • Chambers Street and Cowgate, EH1 1HR
Box Office 0845 260 1234
Aug 3-5,15,22-23: 17:10 (55m) £7.50 (£6.50) (£4.50 C)
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,26-29: 17:10 (55m) £9.50 (£8.50) (£6.50 C)
Aug 10-11,17-18,24-25: 17:10 (55m) £8.50 (£7.50) (£5.50 C)
Morgan & West: Crime Solving Magicians
Morgan & West
Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return with an all new show and their toughest challenge – solving their own murder. Featuring magic, mystery and mild peril aplenty. Sell-out show 2009, 2010. **** (Scotsman).
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ
Box Office 0131 622 6552
Aug 3-5: 15:30 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-11,15-16,18, 22-25,29: 15:30 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
Aug 12-14,19-21,26-28: 15:30 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50)
Nathan Penlington: Uri and Me
Show + Tell
Fusing psychic magic and an obsessive deconstruction of the spoon-bending icon/oddball that we all know and love. Featuring telepathy, clairvoyance, oil dowsing and a death-defying motorbike stunt. ‘An absolute sensation’ (Guardian). **** (ThreeWeeks). www.showandtelluk.com Udderbelly's Pasture • Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0844 545 8252
Aug 3-5: 16:10 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-7,10-11,16-18,22-25,29: 16:10 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
Aug 8-9,12-14,19-21,26-28: 16:10 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50)
Obsession – A Life With Magic
Ian Kendall
What happens when you show an Asperger's kid something cool? Fringe veteran Ian Kendall explains his lifelong obsession with sleight of hand. ‘Impressive magician's skill’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Slick, stylish sleight of hand’ ****(BroadwayBaby.com). www.iankendall.com Zoo • 140 The Pleasance, EH8 9RR
Box Office 0131 662 6892
Aug 13,20: 22:30 (1h) £10.00
Paul Daniels: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Norwell Lapley Productions Ltd
The most successful magician of the 20th century and international sex symbol comes to town with the lovely Debbie McGee with a show full of comedy, magic and amazement. He promises not to dance.
Assembly George Square • George Square, EH8 9LH
Box Office 0131 623 3030
Aug 3-5: 17:00 (1h) £8.00
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,25-28: 17:00 (1h) £15.00 (£14.00)
Aug 10-11,15-18,22-24: 17:00 (1h) £14.00 (£13.00)
Pete Firman: Jiggery Pokery
Phil McIntyre Entertainments by arrangement with Objective Talent Management
After sell out shows in 2007/08/09/10, the UK’s top comedic conjuror returns with 'The best magic tricks in the Universe' (Independent). 'Funnier than most comedians and more magical than Dumbledore on a good day' (Time Out).
Pleasance Dome • Potterow, 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0131 556 6550
Aug 3-5: 20:30 (1h) £6.00
Aug 6-7,12-14,19-21,26-28: 20:30 (1h) £14.00 (£12.50)
Aug 8-11,15-18,22-25: 20:30 (1h) £12.00 (£10.50)
Piff the Magic Dragon: Last of the Magic Dragons
John van der Put/Cat's Cradle Comedy
They're back! To save the species! 'Top Three Picks of the Fringe' (The One Show). 'Unbelievable' (BBC1). 'Cute, inspired and very funny' (Time Out). 'Gloriously grumpy!' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Genuinely side-splittingly funny' (ArtsHub.co.uk).
Just the Tonic at The Store (formerly GRV) • 37 Guthrie Street, EH1 1JG
Box Office 0131 556 5375
Aug 4-5: 18:40 (1h) £5.00
Aug 6,11-13,18-20,25-27: 18:40 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
Aug 7-10,14-15,17,21-24,28: 18:40 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Rockstar of the Mind
Hank Stone Productions/Laughing Horse Free Festival
Four world tours at 27, must be doing something right. Featuring a tribute to Kenny Craig, Derren Brown and that other guy. And remember, don't look into his eyes, his eyes or around his eyes!
Laughing Horse @ The Beehive Inn • 18 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
Box Office 0131 225 7171
Aug 14-15: 23:55 (55m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Roughhausers Comedy Sideshow
Roughhausers
Witness cheeky burlesque, bizarre magic, hilarious comedy and improvisation in this surreal, old-timey variety act inspired by historical sideshows. www.roughhausers.com Leith on the Fringe @ Out of the Blue Drill Hall • 30-36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG
Box Office 0131 226 0000
Aug 26-27: 20:00 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
The Ultimate Quiz Show featuring Silly Milly
Shetland Fiddlers
Ever wondered what'd happen if Bargain Hunt got jiggy with Just a Minute? Wonder no more. Join the Shetland Fiddlers with their game show love child! Also, special adults kids party every Friday!
Laughing Horse @ The Beehive Inn • 18 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
Box Office 0131 225 7171
Aug 4-14,17-28: 21:40 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Young & Strange
Richard Young and Sam Strange
As seen on ITV's Penn & Teller; Fool Us, Young & Strange make their Edinburgh debut with an hour of magic, comedy and illusion.
Sin Club and Lounge, 207 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JQ
Aug 6-20: 15:00 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Southsider, 3 - 7 West Richmond Street, EH8 9EF
Aug 21-26: 20:15 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
THEATRE
Babbling Comedy 2
Perfordian Factory (Korea)
Amazing babbling babies from Korea return with a brand new show. Physical theatre, comedy, mime, magic, juggling and beat-box. Truly unique. Fun for the whole family. ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (FringeReview.co.uk). www.perfordian.com C • Chambers Street, EH1 1HR
Box Office 0845 260 1234
Aug 3-5,15,22-23: 15:15 (55m) £9.50 (£7.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 6-9,13-14,20-21,27-28: 15:15 (55m) £11.50 (£9.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 10-12,17-19,24-26: 15:15 (55m) £10.50 (£8.50) (£6.50 C)
Coal Head, Toadstool Mouth and Other Stories
SUDS Theatre Company
Enter a realm of magic, mime and marionettes with this enchanting collection of wry tales. SUDS return with more 'powerful storytelling' and 'engaging eccentricity' (List, 2009) to celebrate the unique jumble of life.
theSpace @ Symposium Hall • RCOS, Hill Square, EH8 9DR
Box Office 0845 508 8515
Aug 8-10: 20:30 (1h30m) £2.00
Aug 11-13,15-20,22-27: 20:30 (1h30m) £7.00 (£5.00)
Devil in the Deck
Unusual Productions
Jack Swindle is a gambler cursed by fate. Cheating at cards and cheating death, Jack searches for a cure to the curse in this innovative amalgam of theatre, magic and music. 'Beautifully executed magic...' (SF Chronicle).
Zoo Roxy • 2 Roxburgh Place, EH8 9SU
Box Office 0131 662 6892
Aug 5-29: 21:05 (1h10m) £10.00
Jus' Like That!
Assembly by Agreement With Mark Goucher Ltd
Bringing Tommy Cooper back to life with all the familiar trademarks: the fez, the laugh and the magic. Clive Mantle (Casualty, Vicar of Dibley), stars as the legendary comedian. ‘Laughed to the bottom of my soul’ (Mirror).
Assembly Hall • Mound Place, EH1 2LU
Box Office 0131 623 3030
Aug 4-5: 17:30 (1h25m) £10.00
Aug 6-9,12-14,19-21,25-28: 17:30 (1h25m) £15.00 (£14.00)
Aug 10-11,15-18,22-24,29: 17:30 (1h25m) £14.00 (£13.00)
Magicians Do Exist
White Room Theatre
Comedy lies in the comedian's ability to reveal the comic dimensions of others. Chris Cresswell's latest show explores the comedy of Jacques Tati and the art of the clown in an interactive theatrical experience.
Pleasance Dome • Potterow, 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL
Box Office 0131 556 6550
Aug 3-5: 12:10 (50m) £5.00
Aug 6-15,17-22,24-28: 12:10 (50m) £9.00 (£7.00)
Manipulators
Manipulators
Manipulators is a 50 minute show showcasing world-class magic by two Australian performers. Both performers weave compelling short stories amongst skilful illusions.
theSpaces @ Surgeons Hall • Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
Box Office 0845 508 8515
Aug 5-6: 20:35 (50m) £5.00
Aug 10-14,17-21,24-27: 20:35 (50m) £12.00 (£10.00)
Phew! Well, there you go. If you've made it through that list, congratulations! I hope you all found a few things to go and see. To book tickets, head on over to www.edfringe.com to do so.
See you in Edinburgh in August!
Speak soon.
The Cardman :-)
