More From Edinburgh

I always enjoy staying in Edinburgh during the Festival Fringe. It means I can see shows later at night than I would otherwise. I enjoyed a couple of fun days at the Fringe and, as I did in my last post, here's a wee look at what I saw.

The Maydays: Oh Boy: The Quantum Leap Show

Cowgatehead, 14:30 (55mins)
Back in "the day" I was a big fan of the sci-fi TV series Quantum Leap and when I saw this in the programme, I wanted to go and see it. The premise is simple - improvisation group The Maydays improvise an entirely new episode of the now classic sci-fi show with a few simple suggestions from the audience. As with the show itself, the character of Dr Sam Beckett didn't know who, where our when he was. The difference here is that for the first few minutes of the episode itself, neither did the performer in the role! Now, before I go any further, I do have a bit of a complaint. It is not the fault of the performers but I have to say that the room they were performing in wasn't the best to see what was happening on stage a lot of the time thanks to an awkwardly placed pillar. That said, today's episode, called "Dynoplasty" took us back to 1981 and a plastic surgeon for animals. I thought it was a lot of fun, but if you were not a fan of the original show then I will warn you that this show won't really be for you as there are so many call backs and "inside" gags for Quantum Leap fans. But if you are a fan, make sure you go and see it.

Richard Wisemans and The Creative Martyrs: And The Goat Remained A Goat

Voodoo Rooms, 17:00 (1hr)

This was an hour in the company of Prof. Richard Wiseman and musical duo The Creative Martyrs who, between them, told the story of Harry Price: Ghost Hunter, Psychic Investigator, Conjurer and Debunker.  And what an entertaining hour it was with Richard telling part of the story and including some excellent magic with the The Creative Martyrs continuing the story with their humorous songs. But there was a lot more to it than just good magic and funny songs. Sadly, at the time of writing this, the show has now finished its run but if Richard ever puts it back on, make a point of going to see it. You won't regret it!

George Firehorse: 37 Years Of Childhood

Ryrie's, 19:30 (1hr)

An hour of magic, comedy and utter nonsense - otherwise known as fun! I had never encountered George Firehorse before but those I was with had seen him at a couple of magic conventions and had told me he was a lot of fun to watch. They weren't wrong. Some of his pieces were a lot of fun while others were so off the wall they were almost in another room. The show isn't suitable for children (due to bad language) and George handled the unexpected arrival of a youngster in his show about 10 minutes in with great professionalism and kindness. This is an hour of madcap fun that you'll either love or hate. If you go with the flow of the show, you'll end up having a fun time.

The Blues Brothers - Live

C Venues, 22:40 (55mins)

I went to see this show last year and had such a great time that a repeat visit was called for, especially since the producers are saying that it will be the last time it is in Edinburgh.  We had a different singer as Jake this year but he was just as good a singer as last year's and Elwood (the same one from last year) was just as good on the blues harp as the original. His opening to "Flip, Flop and Fly" was brilliant! This show isn't just for fans of the movies or the albums, they are for fans of great music. I was there with friends who had never seen the original movie (what's that all about?!?) had a wonderful time, dancing along with the rest of the audience which consisted of people of all ages. If you are in Edinburgh late at night over the coming week or so, make a point of going to see them.

Paul Savage Finds Every Joke In The Bible

Dragonfly, 16:20 (1hr)

I'll admit, this wasn't my choice but I'm glad I went. It was an enjoyable hour using the bible, and the people named within it, as the basis for his show. Paul Savage's father is a Baptist preacher (he told us repeatedly, almost as if to justify why he was doing the show) but he made a point of saying that he was not out to preach to us. His ability to keep his audience engaged meant that the audience participation moments in the show worked and the person he chose to stand with him at the microphone could not have been better. An hour that proves that a labour of love can actually work.

Danny Buckler: Punch

Cowgatehead, 18:15 (1hr)

This was my second time seeing Danny Buckler performing, for the most part, straight stand up after his last Edinburgh visit 2 years ago and it's a great way to spend an hour. He had the whole room laughing as he spoke about a whole host of subjects that most people in attendance can relate to including stories about live, love and his heroes and has one of the best sleepover stories I've ever heard. I won't spoilt it by telling you who it involves but it is a cracker! Seriously, miss Danny at your peril!

The Colour Ham

Just The Tonic at The Caves, 19:40 (1hr)

Take a mentalist, Colin Cloud, a magician, Kevin McMahon, and a comedian, Gavin Oates, together and put them on stage and what do you get? A whole lot of mayhem otherwise known to the world as The Colour Ham. This is a sketch show with a real difference - most of the sketches are brilliant magic routines, a number of which fooled me badly (especially the opening routine!). On the night I saw the show, the boys had to contend with some really difficult audience members who were not willing to go with the fun that they were trying to create on stage, but they handled them with charm and professionalism. They also brought back a TV character that anyone in their 30s or 40s who grew up in Scotland will no doubt remember. The theme tune is still going round my head!

Joke Thieves

Just The Tonic at The Caves, 22:30 (1hr)

Joke Thieves, the brainchild of comedian Will Mars, was another show that I saw last year and enjoyed so much that I wanted to see it again. Last year, it was a free show and it took me 3 attempts to get in to see it! This time, it is a ticketed show (very reasonably priced too!) making things a lot easier to get in! The premise is very simple - 4 comedians get paired up and then perform twice. First time, they perform their own material but the second time, they perform their partner's material! This can lead to some fun moments when someone performs their partner's material funnier than the person who originally performed it or if a performer comes out with a line or 3 that, coming from another performer, could cause a great deal of offence outwith the context of this show. On the night I was there, Jo Caulfield was paired up with Kevin Dewsbury while Prince Abdi was paired with Alex Edelman. It was a great show which, to be honest, will make those of us in the room that night smile at the memories of but is impossible to explain to anyone else. You just need to go and see the show for yourself.

And so ends another Edinburgh Fringe for me. Now I just need to wait for next June for the 2015 Fringe Programme to be released! Only 10 months to go!

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

A day at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014

Yesterday, I spent the day at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and, in spite of the constant rain, had a cracking day. It helped that the 3 shows that I saw weren't too shabby either!  Please note that I do not want to give anything away in these reviews that may give away parts of these shows. I just want to give you my thoughts on what I saw.

James Freedman: Man Of Steal
The Voodoo Rooms, 13:15pm (50mins)
James Freedman is regarded as one of the world's greatest pickpockets. But James is a nice guy and gives you everything back after he's taken it. This show demonstrates his phenomenal skills in this field as wallets, keys, watches and more were taken from audience members. James had the audience on his side very quickly, which was to his advantage when he had a couple of technical teething problems. These were ignored by everyone as it was his first show of the run and I'm sure that they will be sorted out very quickly. I will be honest, I wondered how this show would finish but how James finished this show was nothing short of brilliant as he stole... Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?!  I guess you're just going to have to go and see his show for yourselves to see what is taken. Don't miss it!

John Henry Blackwood: Magic And Tea With An Evil Genius
The Street, 14:45pm (1hr)
John Henry Blackwood presented a show that was more than an hour of card tricks; it was also a lesson on how to become an evil genius, hence the title. Although the room wasn't exactly perfect for performing close up magic in, John Henry made very good use of his surroundings and his "Minion" helper who greeted the audience as they arrived was very funny. Very good card magic that was presented excellently and included a few moments that, as a magician, caught me pretty badly. If you enjoy either magic and storytelling, you're going to enjoy this show.

The Umbilical Brothers: KiDSHoW (not for kids)
Guilded Balloon, 19:30 (1hr)
I'd seen The Umbilical Brothers performing on TV a number of times before but had never had the chance to see them live. Until now. And it was well worth the wait. The premise is that the boys are presenting a show for kids. Only this is definitely NOT for kids! They present comedy in a way that only they can - physical comedy, mime, sound effects and funny noises done so well that I cannot think of anyone who can come close. I'm thinking of going to see them again! That's how good I think these guys are. Favourite bits were plentiful with a singing of "Feeling Good" amongst the best of them all. They are only performing in Edinburgh until the 16th, so make sure you see them before it's too late!

I'm back through in just over a week and I'll try to post more reviews while there.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Magic at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Hi folks

This year's Edinburgh Fringe programme was released a few weeks ago but, due to being on holiday with very limited internet access and things being very busy after getting home, this is the first chance I've had to post the listings of the magic and magic-related shows that are on this year.

If you notice that I have missed your show, please drop me an e-mail at peter@thecardman.co.uk and let me know so I can update this list.

CABARET

Aurora Winterborn's Candid Cabaret

Candid Cabaret

Back for its third year, Aurora Winterborn's Candid Cabaret promises to treat you to another ‘veritable smorgasbord of Fringe performances’ **** (ThreeWeeks), featuring the finest burlesque, comedy, magic and much more from around the world! ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).

www.edfringe.com/event/AURORAW

Club Rouge: Cabaret and Show Bar • 81-83 Lothian Road, EH3 9AW

Aug 2-4,8-11,15-18,22-23: 20:00 (1h30m) £5.00

Ben Hart – The Outsider

Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent by arrangement with Stephen Baker

Having spent his life using magic to solve impossible problems, award-winning magician Ben Hart turns his attention to himself, exploring magical, amazing and unusual memories and neurosis. Directed by Anthony Owen (Derren Brown/The Real Hustle).

www.edfringe.com/event/BENHART

Underbelly, Cowgate • 56 Cowgate (entrances on Cowgate and Victoria Street), EH1 1EG

Aug 1-2: 17:05 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,7-8,12,14-15,19-22: 17:05 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 17:05 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50)

Chris Cross: Seeing Is Not Believing...

Chris Cross Entertainment/PBH’s Free Fringe

A late night comedy magic show with a twist from the Fringe's favourite showman! Expect off-the-wall magic, contortion and escapology. It's free but not shit! 'Must-see show' (Stage). **** (BroadwayBaby.com 2011, 2012). www.chris-cross.co.uk Twitter: @TheChrisCross

www.edfringe.com/event/CHRISCR

Wilkie House • 207 Cowgate, EH1 1JQ

Aug 18-22: 23:00 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Doug Segal: I Can Make You a Mentalist

Mick Perrin Worldwide

Multi award-winning Doug returns with a brand new show that'll turn you into mind reading mentalists. Comedy, animation, mind blowing miracles performed by you, the audience. 'Simply brilliant’ ***** (Scottish Sunday Express).

www.edfringe.com/event/DOUGSEG

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 18:30 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,7-8,12,14-15,19-22,26: 18:30 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 18:30 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)

God versus The Mind Reader

Mark Cairns

A mind reader who makes people believe things that aren't true for a living sets out to understand his wife's secret conversion to Islam. What makes humans believe in the unbelievable? Mind-blowing, sceptical, funny. www.godvsmindreader.com

www.edfringe.com/event/GODVERS

theSpace on the Mile • 80 High Street, EH1 1TH

Aug 2-3: 14:50 (50m) £5.00

Aug 5-7,12-14,19-21: 14:50 (50m) £8.50 (£7.50)

Aug 8-10,15-17,22-24: 14:50 (50m) £9.50 (£8.50)

The Graveyard Shift: Magic on the Dark Side

Quids In Theatre Company with Kreestan Sennakie

Join Kreestan Sennakie, storyteller and magician on a journey through the darker side of magic. Not for the faint-hearted.

www.edfringe.com/event/GRAVEYB

SpaceCabaret @ 54 • North Bridge, EH1 2HE

Aug 2-3,5-17: 21:40 (45m) £10.00 (£8.00)

La Clique

La Clique/The Famous Spiegeltent

The outrageous, award-winning, five-star La Clique returns to Edinburgh with an array of unforgettably charismatic characters. Funny, sexy and dangerous, La Clique showcases the world's best circus, cabaret, burlesque and magic. 'The greatest show on the Fringe' (Scotsman).

www.edfringe.com/event/LACLIQU

The Famous Spiegeltent • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR

Aug 2-25: 22:00 (1h30m) £20.00 (£17.00)

Mystic

Lorenzo Novani (aka Renz)

Drawing inspiration from shamans, mystics and spiritualists, magician and mentalist Lorenzo Novani takes you on a mesmerising journey into the theatre of the mind! Expect audience involvement, and moments of deep astonishment. 'This man is a genius' (Citizens Theatre).

www.edfringe.com/event/MYSTIC

Spotlites @ The Merchants' Hall • 22 Hanover Street, EH2 2EP

Aug 11-17: 20:40 (1h) £7.50 (£6.50)

Oliver Meech: When Magic and Science Collide

Oliver Meech

A comedy magic show for the QI generation. Amazing tricks inspired by astounding science. It's the Natural Selection! 'Could rival Derren Brown' (Theatre-Wales.co.uk). 'Funny, endearing, impressive showmanship' (ThreeWeeks). Sell out: Green Man Festival.

www.edfringe.com/event/OLIVERM

Just the Tonic at The Caves • Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate, EH1 1LG

Aug 1-2: 14:20 (1h) £5.00

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 14:20 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)

Aug 5-8,12,14-15,19-22: 14:20 (1h) £8.00 (£7.00)

Paul Dabek – Stand Up and Be Conjured

Paul Dabek/PBH's Free Fringe

Free Fringe favourite Paul Dabek returns with a devilishly deceptive show. Expect mind-blowing magic and comedy from the UK's third most charming conjurer. Catch Dabek whilst he’s still free. 'Superb showman’ (Time Out).

www.edfringe.com/event/PAULDAB

The Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA

Aug 3-25: 21:35 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Pick a Card, Any Card (No, Not That One!)

John Henry Blackwood/PBH's Free Fringe

Close-up card magic with a true English gentleman. Hear tall tales of a magician learning his craft and be confounded by events which are not easily explained.

www.edfringe.com/event/PICKACA

The Street • 2B Picardy Place, EH1 3JT

Aug 3-24: 14:45 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Piff the Magic Dragon & Mr Piffles

The Piff the Magic Dragon Show

He's played Sydney Opera House. Toured with Mumford & Sons. Had over ten million hits on YouTube. But enough about Mr Piffles – The World's First Conjuring Chihuahua. Piff's back too. **** (Time Out).

www.edfringe.com/event/PIFFTHE

Pleasance Dome • Potterow, 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Aug 1-2: 19:10 (1h) £6.50

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 19:10 (1h) £11.00 (£10.00)

Aug 5-8,14-15,21-22: 19:10 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)

Aug 12-13,19-20: 19:10 (1h) £8.50 (£7.50)

Psyche – Do You Mind?

Leandro Morgado/PBH’s Free Fringe

Tired of the voice in your head? Tired of trying to contact your inner- self? Tired of rhetorical questions? This is a show about your brain. Comedy, mind reading and bizarre magic put together Psyche ... for those who mind.

www.edfringe.com/event/PSYCHED

The Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA

Aug 3-17: 15:00 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

6 Hats and an Irishman

Paddy McCullagh

It is a rollicking hour taking in comedy, magic, improvisation, banjo, storytelling and even some puppetry. Paddy's is not your normal stand-up. What it is, is entertaining and a hell of a lot of fun.

www.edfringe.com/event/SIXHATS

Laughing Horse @ City Cafe • 19 Blair Street, EH1 1QR

Aug 1-18: 16:15 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Young & Strange – Magic, Illusion and a Hate for Each Other

Young & Strange

PBH's Free Fringe proudly presents the return of the bickering illusionists: Young & Strange. Featuring some of the biggest illusions at the Fringe and the duo's blend of humour.

www.edfringe.com/event/YOUNGST

The Jam House • 5 Queen Street, EH2 1JE

Aug 3-23: 18:30 (50m) (Free Non-ticketed)

Your Place Or Mind

Ian Harvey Stone

Mind reader, hypnotist and psychic entertainer Ian Harvey Stone presents his brand new show. An incredible interactive mix of psychology, magic, hypnosis and the esoteric arts. Is there more to chance than chance alone?

www.edfringe.com/event/YOURPLA

Arthur Conan Doyle Centre • 25 Palmerston Place, EH12 5AP

Aug 13: 20:00 (1h50m) £5.00

Aug 14-17: 20:00 (1h50m) £10.00 (£9.00)

CHILDREN’S SHOWS

The Amazing Bubble Man

Louis Pearl/The Assembly Rooms

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. A Fringe favourite, he has sold out every year for the last six years.

www.edfringe.com/event/AMAZING

The Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR

Jul 31-Aug 1: 11:05 (50m) £10.00 (£8.00)

Aug 2-25: 11:05 (50m) £11.00 (£9.00)

Funny Stuff for Happy People

Martin 'Bigpig' Mor

A show for all the family. Comedy, storytelling, magic, and some stupid science. Martin has been performing his shows all over the world for almost 30 years. Martin ‘Bigpig’ Mor is very funny.

www.edfringe.com/event/FUNNYST

Laughing Horse @ City Cafe • 19 Blair Street, EH1 1QR

Aug 9-18: 12:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic

Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent

Based on the hit TV show this is a jaw-dropping magic spectacular for all the family. Witness Interactive Illusions, Up Close and Magical and Tricks of the Trade, as seen on CBBC.

www.edfringe.com/event/HELPMYS

Underbelly, Bristo Square • Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Aug 1-2: 13:10 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,7-8,12-15,19-22: 13:10 (1h) £11.50 (£10.00)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 13:10 (1h) £12.00 (£10.50)

I Hate Children Children's Show

Unusual Productions

Magic for teens, tweens and hot soccer moms! Throw some whisky in your sippy-cup and bring the kids to a show that's as much fun for parents as for kids. 'Best Children's Show' (ThreeWeeks).

www.edfringe.com/event/IHATECH

Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 11:50 (1h) £7.00

Aug 3-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 11:50 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)

Aug 7-8,14-15,21-22: 11:50 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)

Aug 12-13,19-20,26: 11:50 (1h) £8.00 (£7.00)

Poopiedoopiedoop

Poopiedoopie Productions

Poopiedoopiedoop is a hilariously silly kids show, fun for kids and parents alike. Marvellous stories, whacky characters, science experiments, games, farts, dancing, and magic! Perfect for kids aged 4-10.

www.edfringe.com/event/POOPIED

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 11:30 (50m) £5.00

Aug 3-4,7-8,14-15,21-22: 11:30 (50m) £7.50 (£5.00)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 11:30 (50m) £8.50 (£5.00)

Something in My Shoe

Ian Saville/Free Festival

Ian Saville's magic show for children aged 4–10 and their grown-up friends. 'Really captures the children – low-key, apparently simple tricks which they can't quite get to the bottom of, and wonderful joining in' (Scotsman).

www.edfringe.com/event/SOMETHI

Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters • 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS

Aug 2-4,6-11,13-18,20-25: 12:00 (50m) (Free Non-ticketed)

Van Buren and Gandey's Victorian Wonders Carnival

Van Buren and Gandey's Victorian Wonders Carnival

Festival family entertainment. A glimpse of the past as we recreate sideshows and illusions of yesteryear, test your skills on games in their original format for kids aged 2 to 102!

www.edfringe.com/event/VANBURE

St Andrew Square Garden • St Andrew Square, EH2 1AF

Aug 2-25: 12:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 13:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 14:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 15:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 16:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 17:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 18:00 (30m) £6.00

Aug 2-25: 19:00 (30m) £6.00

COMEDY

Alan Hudson: Magician or Superhero?

Alan Hudson

Super strength, X-ray vision and lightning fast speed can be fantastic fun if used for personal gain, without saving the world. 'Hudson is an astounding comic, magician and mind reader' **** (ThreeWeeks), **** (Metro).

www.edfringe.com/event/ALANHUD

Just the Tonic at The Caves • Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate, EH1 1LG

Aug 1-4: 16:40 (1h) £5.00

Aug 5-8,12,14-15,19-22: 16:40 (1h) £9.00 (£7.00)

Aug 9-11,16-18,23-25: 16:40 (1h) £11.00 (£9.00)

The Boy With Tape On His Face: More Tape

Lee Martin for Gag Reflex Management

Back by popular demand. Your last chance to see the multi award- winning, sell-out show! 'Indescribably wonderful' (Tim Minchin). 'Spectacular! ...fight for a ticket!' ***** (Time Out).

www.edfringe.com/event/BOYWITH

Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-24: 21:40 (1h) £13.50 (£11.00)

Aug 5-8,14-15,21-22: 21:40 (1h) £12.50 (£10.00)

Aug 19-20: 21:40 (1h) £12.00 (£9.50)

The Colour Ham

Colour Ham

'Ingenious' (Scotsman). The surprise hit of 2012 are back with their brand new show. 'These guys had the audience in the palm of their magical hands – straight up belly laughs for the entire hour' **** (Skinny).

www.edfringe.com/event/COLOURH

Just the Tonic at The Caves • Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate, EH1 1LG

Aug 1,4: 19:45 (1h) £5.00

Aug 2-3,11,18: 19:45 (1h) £8.00 (£7.00)

Aug 5-6,9-10,16-17,23-24: 19:45 (1h) £11.00 (£10.00)

Aug 7-8: 19:45 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)

Gamarjobat (ga-ma-jo-bat) Rock Out!

Komedia Entertainment Ltd

The global comedy sensation are back, this time determined to join the rock'n'roll hall of fame. Fringe sell-out, always to rave reviews: let Gamarjobat rock your world! 'Cartoon characters come to life' (New York Times)

www.edfringe.com/event/GAMARJO

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Aug 2-3: 16:30 (1h) £6.00

Aug 4,7-8,12,14-15,19,21-22,26: 16:30 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 16:30 (1h) £13.00 (£11.00)

Get Involved Charabang!

Get Involved

Get Involved Charabang! A brand new showcase of only the very best in emerging talent, from breakdancing magician Magical Bones to world champion beatboxer, Reeps One. Don't let the Charabang pass you by! Check www.getinvolvedltd.com for line-up.

www.edfringe.com/event/GETINVO

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Aug 2-4,7-11,14-18,21-25: 00:15 (1h30m) £12.00 (£10.00)

Miracles Etc

Pete Heat

Comedy. Magic. Casual miracles. 'He's Noel Fielding performing sleight of hand, some lanky, cuddly love-child of Demitri Martin and Mitch Hedberg' **** (Fest). 'Excellent at what he does and also very, very funny' ***** (FringeGuru.com). ‘Mind-boggling’ **** (ThreeWeeks).

www.edfringe.com/event/MIRACLE

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 20:15 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 20:15 (1h) £12.00 (£10.00)

Aug 5-8,12-15,19-22,26: 20:15 (1h) £10.00 (£8.50)

Morgan and West: A Grand Adventure

Morgan and West with HMD Productions

Join the magical duo as they cross continents, meddle with miscreants and sneak into secret societies. Can they catch the crooks, recover their quarry and confound the crowds? Sell-out shows 2009 – 2012.

www.edfringe.com/event/MORGANA

Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, EH8 9AJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 16:15 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,7-8,12-13,15,19-22,26: 16:15 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)

Aug 5-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 16:15 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50)

Pete Firman – Scoundrel

Phil McIntyre Entertainments arranged with Corrie McGuire at Objective Talent

Prepare yourself as 'the UK's leading comedy magician' (Time Out) returns with an astonishing new show. As seen on BBC2's The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Channel 4's Mash-Up, BBC1's The Magicians. Part comedian, part magician, all scoundrel!

www.edfringe.com/event/PETEFIR

Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 21:20 (1h) £8.50

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 21:20 (1h) £15.00 (£13.50)

Aug 5-8,14-15,21-22: 21:20 (1h) £12.50 (£11.00)

Aug 12-13,19-20: 21:20 (1h) £11.50 (£10.00)

Peter Antoniou: Comedium

Peter Antoniou and DBS Productions

The psychic comedian returns, fondling frontal lobes and tickling funny bones. Fearing the future? Pondering the past? Just wondering how a psychic spends his day? Peter has answers for you. ***** (WhatsOnStage.com). **** (ThreeWeeks). **** (BroadwayBaby.com).

www.edfringe.com/event/PETERAN

Sweet Grassmarket • Apex International Hotel, 31-35 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS

Aug 1-3: 16:10 (1h) £5.00

Aug 4-25: 16:10 (1h) £7.00 (£5.00)

Slightly Fat Features

The Pleasance/Slightly Fat Features

Riotous comedy cabaret troupe. Astonishing physical skills and orchestrated mayhem. Tiger taming, bullet catching, knife throwing, motorbike madness. Part Monty Python, part Cirque du Soleil. 'Comedy magic' (Independent). 'Laugh out loud entertainment' (Evening Standard). 'Pure showmen' (Stage).

www.edfringe.com/event/SLIGHTL

Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 17:50 (1h10m) £6.00

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 17:50 (1h10m) £13.00 (£12.00)

Aug 5-8,14-15,21-22: 17:50 (1h10m) £12.00 (£11.00)

Aug 13,19-20,26: 17:50 (1h10m) £10.00

Tom Binns is Ian D Montfort: Psychic Fayre

Tom Binns/CKP

After triumphant BBC Radio 2 series, the New Age guru, psychic and medium returns; passing on messages, making predictions and telling fortunes. 'Funny enough to kill you from asphyxiation' (Magic Circle Magazine).

www.edfringe.com/event/IANDMON

Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ

Jul 31-Aug 2: 18:40 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 18:40 (1h) £14.50 (£13.50)

Aug 5-8,14-15,21-22: 18:40 (1h) £13.50 (£11.50)

Aug 12-13,19-20: 18:40 (1h) £11.50 (£10.00)

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Noodles

NoFit State Circus

In a sea of irreverent chaos and a world of knots; aerialists, acrobats and magicians twist and bend the frontiers of reality. Noodles is the perfect lunchtime dish: light-hearted and surreal with a side of complete madness.

www.edfringe.com/event/NOODLES

New Town Theatre • Freemasons' Hall, 96 George Street, EH2 3DH

Aug 2-5,7-12,14-19,21-25: 12:45 (1h10m) £12.00 (£10.00) (£40.00 F)

SPOKEN WORD

Richard Wiseman – Psychobabble

Lakin McCarthy Entertainment Ltd/The Assembly Rooms

Best-selling author, psychologist and magician Richard Wiseman rummages around in your mind. Discover how to tell lies, read thoughts and transform a tea towel into a chicken. Several laughs. No Powerpoint.

www.edfringe.com/event/RICHARF

The Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR

Aug 4: 12:30 (1h) £10.00

THEATRE

At The Illusionist's Table

Rogue Compass Productions

Objects float, whisky materialises, dreams are revealed. Set at the exclusive 28 Queen Street, Illusionist Scott Smith hosts an exquisite evening of fine dining and whisky tasting interwoven with breathtaking magic. An extraordinary and unforgettable experience...

www.edfringe.com/event/ATTHEIL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – 28 Queen Street • 28 Queen Street, EH2 1JX

Aug 2-3,6-9,13-17,20-24: 19:15 (2h15m) £49.00

Chris Dugdale – Magic and Mischief!

Chris Dugdale Int Ents

Chris Dugdale – Magic and Mischief! A unique blend of magic, mind control and mischief. Dynamic, hard-hitting magic that will entertain and astound. You've seen him on TV now see him live!

www.edfringe.com/event/CHRISDU

Assembly George Square • George Square, EH8 9LH

Jul 31-Aug 2: 19:30 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-6,9-11,16-18,23-25: 19:30 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)

Aug 7-8,13-15,20-22,26: 19:30 (1h) £11.00 (£10.00)

Devil in the Deck

Unusual Productions

A timeless fairy tale of love, magic and adventure. Jack Swindle is a smooth-talking grifter cursed by a bad Tarot reading. 'Beautifully executed' (SF Chronicle). 'An excellent piece of theatre, magic and storytelling' (WhatsOnStage.com).

www.edfringe.com/event/DEVILIN

Pleasance Dome • Potterow, 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Jul 31-Aug 2: 16:10 (1h) £6.00

Aug 3-4,9-11,16-18,23-25: 16:10 (1h) £9.00 (£8.00)

Aug 6-8,14-15,21-22: 16:10 (1h) £8.00 (£7.00)

Aug 13,20: 16:10 (1h) £7.00 (£6.00)

Free Money Magic Show

Ian Saville/Free Festival

A free show about money from socialist magician Ian Saville. Despite his comedy and magical talents, Ian remains skint. This show explains why. With Karl Marx, and Ian's financial adviser (a ventriloquist's dummy). 'Magnificently bonkers' (Independent).

www.edfringe.com/event/FREEMON

Laughing Horse @ The Newsroom • 5-11 Leith Street, EH1 3AT

Aug 1-4,6-11,13-18,20-25: 19:30 (50m) (Free Non-ticketed)

Lexi Heart, The Singing Magician

PBH Free Fringe

A woman vanishes. But before she disappears her story is told, peppered with beautiful illusions as melody and mayhem combine. Sometimes sad, sometimes silly, always magical, Lexi carries us through her bizarre world and unsettles our reality as she goes.  “A dishevelled Jessica Rabbit crossed with Paul Daniels” JazzFM.

Cafe Camino • 1 Little King Street, EH1 3JR
Aug 3-24: 15:45 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

So there you have it.  There's a fair number of magic and magic-related shows on this year.  If you're going to be there, I'll maybe see you there.  Then again, with so many shows on at the fringe, perhaps not.  Have a great time if you are going.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)