Magic and mentalism abounds at this year’s festival. But how are the tricks done? Some of the best performers remain tightlipped – while others reveal all“That feeling you have right now,” says Colin Cloud, putting his cards down, “it’s wonderful, righ…
Continue ReadingThe Studio, EdinburghGeoff Sobelle is firmly in control of this clever show full of tricks, but it doesn’t really feed the soulA gigantic banqueting table dominates the room, with members of the audience seated around it. A formidable chandelier shimme…
Continue ReadingPhotographer Murdo MacLeod presents his view of the opening week’s Edinburgh festival and fringe shows – from a show for one to a giant dinner party• See all our Edinburgh festival 2023 coverage here Continue reading…
Continue ReadingThe duo’s First Final UK Tour is more amusing than astonishing but demonstrates what drew them to the confounding craft in the first placePenn & Teller’s professional relationship is almost as old as I am. And yet I can remember a time – probably w…
Continue ReadingDuke of York’s theatre, LondonMaths, magic and Les Mis all feature in the entertaining musings of the Ted Lasso star’s northern know-it-all‘Who’s here ’cos of Ted Lasso?” grins Nick Mohammed, double-Emmy-nominated star of the soccer sitcom, in his firs…
Continue ReadingLondon PalladiumDawn French, Julian Clary and Alexandra Burke join an animatronic giant with a vast beanstalk in an innuendo-heavy, story-light showPantos are usually cheap and cheerful, so it’s disorientating to see millions of pounds (I’m guessing) t…
Continue ReadingThe character comedian and TV star on meeting angry fans, his first UK tour as megalomaniac magician Mr Swallow and taking inspiration from Torvill and DeanWho did you look up to when you were starting out?French and Saunders were probably the most ins…
Continue ReadingPleasance Courtyard, EdinburghMischief Theatre are up to their old tricks as silly slapstick meets telepathy in a send-up of stage mentalismStage mentalism – the world of Derren Brown and David Blaine, with its puffed-up mystique and pretence to danger…
Continue ReadingBreak-dancing illusionist Magical Bones and comedian Eme Essien are at the festival with new shows. He teaches her one of his tricks – and gets an acting masterclass in returnOne is a rising comedy star and actor whose solo hour Flat Shoes in the Club …
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, LondonThis odd-couple double act of east London MC and toffee-nosed children’s entertainer are great fun for adultsThe world of children’s entertainment has provided a rich seam for comedians: see Justin Edwards’ alcoholic clown Jeremy Li…
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