Even before you enter the show, the Bad Magician (also known as Paul Nathan) is outside, welcoming you to his lair, whip in hand. He greets his audience with high fives, and you get the feeling that he’s really glad to have you there. His assistant, John, plays electric guitar throughout, and provides an edgy background to the tricks at hand.
For all the children in the audience, there’s a promise, which is fulfilled in due course, to get everyone up on stage to help with some of the magic tricks – but if you don’t want to go, that’s ok too.
First a confession: the jaded cynicism expressed in this show's title may have resonated with me a little too much prior to viewing. Nevertheless, it is now with confident objectivity that I attest to the genuine all round wonderfulness of this comedic show! Magician Paul Nathan exudes unpretentious charisma by the bucket load and, assisted by his equally personable sidekick Al, each and every child is invited to partake in at least one of his mesmerising magic tricks. Sharp and full of dry humour, Nathan unashamedly indulges in a spot of playful child-mockery - something which can evoke an initial sense of audience shock. It is not long, however, before shock morphs into laughter from all corners. Cannot recommend enough!
Three Weeks Rating: 5/5
Published: Aug-2010
Edinburgh Festival's best magic show!
Remember when you fell in love with magic? Fall in love all over again.
