Hi folks
I hope everyone is well. I thought it best to post this list here as I don’t think Facebook would be able to handle this much information! As always, I have collated as many magic and magic-related shows that are on at this year’s Fringe.
This started as something just for myself but, after mentioning it to a couple of friends a number of years ago, they convinced me that I should post it online, which is what I’m doing here. If you find it useful, wonderful. If you know someone that would find it useful, please send them the link. Thanks.
So, here goes – and beware, it’s a bit of a beast this year!
Cabaret
Aaron Calvert: Declassified
CatFace Talent and Lost Luggage Productions
What if all the stories you heard were true? Inexplicable urban legends are recreated live on stage as Aaron Calvert combines his astounding skills in hypnosis, magic and mind reading. Sell-out 2016/2017. ***** (Daily Mail). **** (BroadwayBaby.co.uk).
Gilded Balloon at the Museum • Lothian Street, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1HB (Auditorium)
Aug 1-3 18:00(1h) £6.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,13-16,20-23 18:00(1h) £10.00 (£8.00)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 18:00(1h) £12.00 (£10.00)
Ada Campe and the Psychic Duck
Ada Campe / The Stand Comedy Club
Join 2018 NATYS winner Ada Campe for a show about wonderful women, a psychic duck and a fairground mystery… ‘Extravagantly mischievous persona… brilliantly crowd-pleasing act’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Resembles an unhinged super-villain’ (Diva).
The Stand’s New Town Theatre • Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, EH2 3DH (Studio)
Aug 2 14:50(1h) £8.00 (£7.00)
Aug 3-13,15-26 14:50(1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Adam Patel: Brown Magic
Fascinating Entertainment Ltd
Adam Patel, one of the UK’s top street magicians, showcases his skills of sleight-of-hand, perceptual manipulation and mind-hacking while relating magic to stories from his life.
Sweet Grassmarket • Apex Grassmarket Hotel, 31-35 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS (Grassmarket 2)
Aug 2-12 18:40(1h) £8.50
Ben Dali: Trance of a Lifetime
Ben Dali / PBH’s Free Fringe
Last chance to catch Edinburgh’s premier hypnotist, including the greatest hits plus new sketches. Expect random, hilarious and unforgettable moments in Dali’s most adult and groundbreaking extravaganza yet. The audience stars and anything goes.
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Annexe)
Aug 4-13,15-21,23-26 22:00(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Ben Hanlin: 50
Live Nation in association with Triple A Media
TV magician Ben Hanlin returns with a brand-new show! He’s searched the globe to find the 50 greatest magic tricks ever performed, added his own cheeky spin and presents them in this fast-paced magic show!
Pleasance Dome • 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL (KingDome)
Aug 1-3 19:00(1h) £6.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 19:00(1h) £12.50 (£11.50)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 19:00(1h) £11.50 (£10.50)
Aug 14,20-21,27 19:00(1h) £10.50 (£10.00)
Ben Hart: The Nutshell
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex
Multi award-winning magician Ben Hart returns to Edinburgh with a brand-new show that shines a light on magic, life, the universe and the darkest corners of your imaginations. Total sell-out show 2017. ‘Devilishly clever’ **** (Scotsman).
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Dining Room)
Aug 1-3 20:15(1h) £7.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,14-16,20-23,27 20:15(1h) £10.50 (£9.50)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 20:15(1h) £12.50 (£11.50)
Bizarre
Michael Brandie
Scottish magician Michael Brandie presents his debut outing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With his ‘quality geek banter and self-deprecating humour’ (Arbroath Herald), Michael will shock and mesmerise as he takes you on a journey of the downright Bizarre.
Sweet Novotel • 80 Lauriston Place, Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel, EH3 9DE (Novotel 3)
Aug 2-12 20:20(50m) £8.00 (£6.00)
Breaking the Magicians’ Code With Kane & Abel
Kane & Abel / PBH’s Free Fringe
Britain’s bad boys of magic return to Edinburgh with their smash-hit anarchic magic show. ‘Will leave you impressed and in stitches’ **** (ThisIsRadelaide.com.au). ‘Seriously impressive’ (BBC Radio Bristol).
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Annexe)
Aug 4-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 13:15(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Bubble and Squeeze
Louis Pearl and Jet Black Pearl / Stand Comedy Club
Louis Pearl, AKA the Amazing Bubble Man, accompanied by accordion diva Jet Black Pearl, have created a new stunning spectacle of bubble-based entertainment with cabaret style theatre and music geared towards an adult audience!
The Stand’s New Town Theatre • Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, EH2 3DH (Lower Hall)
Aug 15-26 22:20(1h) £10.00 (£8.00)
Card Ninja
Javier Jarquin
Warning: this show contains ninjas, not magic. Back by popular demand, Card Ninja is a riotous display of comedy and card stunts using playing cards as ninja weapons. Expect deadly and risky fun. Suitable for ages 10+.
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Wine Bar)
Aug 1-3 13:30(1h) £6.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,13,15-16,20-23,27 13:30(1h) £10.50 (£9.50) (£38.00 F)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 13:30(1h) £11.50 (£10.50) (£42.00 F)
Carl Charlesworth: Funny Magic
Carl Charlesworth / PBH’s Free Fringe
Carl Charlesworth presents Funny Magic. A mix of stand-up comedy and brilliant magic. Unique, funny and a little bit weird.
Bar-Bados • 65 Cowgate, EH1 1JW (Room 5)
Aug 12-18 18:00(45m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Caspar Thomas: More Magic and Mentalism
Caspar Thomas / PBH’s Free Fringe
Stunning, skilful magic from Caspar Thomas. ‘Caspar’s sleight of hand and mentalism is of a standard rarely seen or even attempted by the current generation of magicians. Phenomenal!’ (Jerry Sadowitz).
Hispaniola • 3 Drummond St, EH8 9TT (Hispaniola)
Aug 4-25 15:50(55m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Charlie Caper – Artifice Intelligence
Charlie Caper / PBH’s Free Fringe
Advanced technology indistinguishable from magic! Robots of varying complexity, from AI research platforms to homemade junkbots, interact with international magician Charlie Caper (winner of Sweden’s Got Talent) in experimental high-tech wizardry. ‘Wubalubadubdub’ (Roy Batty).
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Warehouse)
Aug 9-14,16-21,23-26 16:05(50m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Chris Cook: Chance
Chris Cook Magic / PBH’s Free Fringe
‘Best show of Fringe 2017’ ***** (WorldMagicReview.com). An unlikely call leads down a rabbit hole of coincidences. Chris Cook is renowned for merging storytelling, comedy and magic tricks into a show that might just change your life…
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Ballroom)
Aug 4-26 15:10(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Chris Cook: Concealed
Chris Cook Magic / PBH’s Free Fringe
***** (WorldMagicReview.com). Chris Cook lets you peek into his imagination in this hilarious close-up magic show in an intimate venue. ‘The fun is knowing that every uproarious night will be a unique experience’ (Stage).
The Street • 2b Picardy Place, EH1 3JT (The Street)
Aug 5-13,15-25 19:45(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Chris Dugdale: Up Close!
Chris Dugdale
2016 and 2017 winner of the Edfest Bouquet. The sold-out Edinburgh show returns… with a few new surprises for 2018! Fourteen royal performances. ‘One of the top magicians working the circuit’ (BroadwayBaby.com).
Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Drawing Room)
Aug 2-3 19:10(1h) £8.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 19:10(1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 8-9,14-16,20-23 19:10(1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Colin Cloud: Psycho(Logical)
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex in association with Kilimanjaro Live
The forensic mind reader will take you on a thrill ride, where your thoughts and imaginations will guide and mislead you before ultimately revealing the truth. Total Fringe sell-out 2014-2017. ***** (Edinburgh Evening News).
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (The Grand)
Aug 1-3 20:00(1h) £9.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 20:00(1h) £17.00 (£15.50)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 20:00(1h) £15.00 (£13.50)
Aug 13,20-21,27 20:00(1h) £13.50 (£12.00)
#Dave: Literally the Best Magician
Dave Alnwick / PBH’s Free Fringe
Twelve full-house Edinburgh Fringe runs. Three national tours. One TV special. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. ‘Ninja wizard’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Completely f*cking awesome’ **** (Skinny). **** (FringeGuru.com). ‘Incredible… daily queues down the street’ (WorldMagicReview.com).
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Speakeasy)
Aug 4-26 16:50(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
#Dave: Luxury Magic Show
Dave Alnwick / PBH’s Free Fringe
Twelve full-house Edinburgh Fringe runs. Three national tours. One TV special. New show. Arrive early. ‘Sell-out crowds every year’ (NorthEastTheatreGuide.co.uk). ‘Exemplary showmanship, funny, quick-witted… mind boggling’ **** (PurpleRevolver.com). ***** (TheSphinx.co.uk).
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (French Quarter)
Aug 4-26 13:40(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
DNA: Stealing Thoughts
DNA’s incredible feats of mind reading and telepathic thought transference have amazed audiences worldwide. ‘Stealing Thoughts’ will make you question what is truly possible as the duo read your mind with incredible speed and devastating accuracy. Your thoughts will become theirs in seconds… This must-see show is limited to just FIVE fringe performances so book early to avoid disappointment. Britain’s Got Talent Finalists 2017 “How the bloody hell did you do that? That was incredible.” – SIMON COWELL “We’re still trying to work out how they did it now” – RadioTimes
Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Ball Room)
Aug 8-9 13:20(1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 10-12 13:20(1h) £14.00 (£13.00)
Dreamer: Sam Fitton
Lost Luggage Productions / PBH’s Free Fringe
Sam is back with more magic, theatre and special effects to shake up the traditional magic show. ‘Ethereal tricks and awesome stunts fall effortlessly from his hands’ **** (TheWeeReview.com). ThreeWeeks Top Three To See 2017.
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Speakeasy)
Aug 4-25 15:25(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Edinburgh Fringe Magic Gala
CatFace Talent
Sell-out 2017. The best illusion, magic and cabaret acts from the Fringe assemble at one of Edinburgh’s biggest theatres for your entertainment. This assortment of expert performers will leave your jaws dropped and minds blown.
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Debating Hall)
Aug 1,3 16:30(1h) £6.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,13-16,20-23 16:30(1h) £10.00 (£8.00) (£32.00 F)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 16:30(1h) £12.00 (£10.00) (£40.00 F)
The Fringe of the Fringe
Edinburgh Festival Camping
It’s back! Edinburgh Festival Camping is hosting the show on The Fringe of the Fringe! An unpredictable night of music, comedy, dance, magic, circus, poetry… come join us for a great night where anything goes!
Edinburgh Festival Camping • West Gate, Royal Highland Centre, EH28 8NB (Edinburgh Festival Camping Venue 403)
Aug 25 21:00(2h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Great Baldini – A Magician’s Journey
The Great Baldini
Legendary magician The Great Baldini tells his life story through a series of stage illusions, from his first trick on his 12th birthday to his career pinnacle, rivalling the great Houdini.
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House • 38 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DD (The Loft)
Aug 20-25 21:00(50m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Griffin and Jones: Trickorice Allsorts
Griffin and Jones / PBH’s Free Fringe
The pioneers of slapdash magic are back with another mishmash of magical mayhem! These award-winning idiots have become famous for their fast banter, tight chemistry, contagious energy and show-stopping wizardry. ‘Machine-gun patter’ ****½ (TheReviewsHub.com).
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Warehouse)
Aug 4-5,7-12,14-19,21-26 19:50(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Harry De Cruz Gets His Act Together
PBH’s Free Fringe
Everyone has a party trick. Harry has 374 and counting. The multidisciplined ‘king of party tricks’ (Dynamo) presents a show that can only be described as unbelievable. ‘The real Harry Potter’ (JK Rowling).
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Ballroom)
Aug 4-26 13:40(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
I Can Read Your Mind
Tomas McCabe / PBH’s Free Fringe
Irish mind reader Tomas McCabe is back! Following a hugely successful tour of Ireland and debut at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Tomas is bringing his amazing show back for a final Edinburgh run!
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Warehouse)
Aug 4-26 21:05(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
John and Claire Lenahan – Loud & Louder
Ingenious Fools
Prepare for magic, escapology, mind reading, cannibalism and lion taming (pending permission from Edinburgh Zoo). You may not like being Lena-handled but you will be able to hear it!
Just the Tonic at The Caves • Rowantree Bar, 253 Cowgate, EH1 1LG (Just the Fancy Room)
Aug 2-12,14-19,21-26 19:30(1h) £5.00
Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry or Pay What You Want at the venue.
John Lenahan: Up Close
Ingenious Fools
An evening of intimate magic (and comedy) with a master, in a late-night venue restricted to a small audience – book early to avoid disappointment! ‘The mascot of a magical renaissance’ (Guardian).
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters • 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS (The Wee Room)
Aug 15-26 22:15(1h) £5.00
Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry or Pay What You Want at the venue
Kevin Quantum: Vanishing Point
Quantum Productions
Quantum will manipulate your perspective of the universe before converging at the point-of-most-strange. Expect epic stunts from the magician-scientist hybrid trained by Penn & Teller. ‘Part science, part magic, all genius’ ***** (CreamMagazine.com).
Underbelly, Bristo Square • Teviot Place, EH8 9AG (Cowbarn)
Aug 1-3 18:45(1h) £6.50
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 18:45(1h) £12.50 (£11.00)
Aug 8-9,13-16,20,22-23 18:45(1h) £11.00 (£10.00)
The Lock-In Cabaret
Griffin and Jones / PBH’s Free Fringe
This ever-growing Edinburgh Fringe institution is back for its fifth year! With a different line-up of top, hand-picked Fringe acts every night, join hosts Griffin and Jones for the ultimate late-night variety show!
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (French Quarter)
Aug 4-5,7-12,14-19,21-26 01:00(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Luke Closely: A Musician Doing Magic!
Luke Closely / PBH’s Free Fringe
Magic show. Live music. Comedy. Scottish. Luke returns to the Fringe with his combination of comedy magic blended together with his backing band, creating a unique performing experience. ***** (Joseph Cranford, Chicago Magic Lounge).
Fingers Piano Bar • 61a Frederick Street, EH2 1LH (Fingers Piano Bar)
Aug 4-5,7-12,14-19,21-26 15:10(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Magic Faraway Cabaret
Mister Meredith / PBH’s Free Fringe
Always packed, this ‘fab lil cabaret party’ (Time Out) returns for its sixth year. Magic, variety, burlesque and sideshow acts are gift-wrapped by Mister Meredith in a world of fun and games. ‘An amazing compère’ (BurlesqueBibleMag.com).
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Speakeasy)
Aug 4-26 22:30(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Magic Show
Eddie Farmer
Following an Edinburgh Fringe sell-out! See the impossible in the new 2018 show, journeying through unpredictable magic, misdirection from eras past to mind-reading wonders. An evening of entertainment, mystery and laughter for those who seek it.
Paradise in The Vault • 11 Merchant Street, EH1 2QD (The Vault)
Aug 20-25 19:30(50m) £5.00
Mark Watson: Man of Mischief
Mark Watson / PBH’s Free Fringe
The Man of Mischief makes his Fringe debut with a one-man variety show! Filled with astounding juggling, jaw-dropping magic and feats of incredible danger – this show is not to be missed!
Bourbon Bar • 24a Frederick St, EH2 2JR (Room 1)
Aug 4-25 17:15(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Mason King – Game of Chance
MK Entertainment
Mason King returns for another journey into the inner depths of the human mind! Do we control our own thoughts? Do we control our decisions? Can we control our own luck?
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall • Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW (Theatre 2)
Aug 6-11,13-18 17:10(45m) £8.00 (£6.00) (£20.00 F)
Mat Ricardo vs the World
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex
Award-winning cabaret star Mat Ricardo bet the world he could learn any trick. The results: juggling, magic, escapology, knifethrowing… and the only good trick that exists with a fidget spinner. ‘Brilliant’ ***** (Herald).
Laughing Horse @ City Cafe • 19 Blair Street, EH1 1QR (Las Vegas)
Aug 2-3 12:30(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Aug 4-26 12:30(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
McMagic Moments
Elliot Bibby
Back for his fifth year at the Fringe, Elliot Bibby, ‘cheeky charming magician’ (EdinburghSpotlight.com), will blow you away with incredible feats of magic, all with a Scottish twist. ‘Sleek and funny from beginning to end’ (BroadwayBaby.com).
The Voodoo Rooms • 19a West Register Street, EH2 2AA (The Ballroom)
Aug 3-5,7-12,14-19,21-26 18:30(1h) £7.00
The Not So Secret Society
Jaggy Events / Ben Dali / PBH’s Free Fringe
Edinburgh’s best late-night cabaret goes family-friendly! Expect A-list comedy, world-class magic, spellbinding music and all manner of unforgettable oddities from across the Fringe. Targeted and suited to all ages, it’s live cabaret at its finest.
Bourbon Bar • 24a Frederick St, EH2 2JR (Room 1)
Aug 4-13,15-21,23-26 18:30(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Oliver Meech: When Magic and Food Collide
Unimpossible
Oliver’s back with his latest magical mash-up, stuffed with jawdropping, mouth-watering tricks. Tummies will rumble, ribs will be tickled and gobs will be smacked. Two sell-out runs. ‘Could rival Derren Brown’ (Theatre-Wales.co.uk).
Just the Tonic at The Mash House • 37 Guthrie Street, EH1 1JG (Just the Bottle Room)
Aug 2-3 14:10(1h) £5.00
Aug 4-12,14-18 14:10(1h) £10.00 (£8.00)
Phantasmagorical
Miss Sylvia Sceptre / Free Festival
The alluring and merrily macabre Miss Sylvia Sceptre presents Phantasmagorical – an hour of spooky mind reading and Victorian spirit theatre. Witness a supernatural spectacle of stories and magic, swirling with dark whimsy.
Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire • 36-38 Blair Street, EH1 1QR (Long Room)
Aug 2-26 12:15(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Psychic Project
David Narayan / PBH’s Free Fringe
In 1972, the CIA launched a secret project training psychic spies for the Cold War. David Narayan explores the archives and attempts their experiments. ‘Fascinating’ (WorldMagicReview.com). ‘As disturbing as it is astonishing’ (Oxford Times).
CC Blooms • 23-24 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA (CC Blooms)
Aug 4-6,8-13,15-20,22-26 16:15(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Russian Roulette
Shantisha and Ivan / PBH’s Free Fringe
Who will risk their life tonight? A rotating bill of bang-up performers from all over the Fringe, hand-picked by your charming belly-dancing Russian hostess. Safely bet on a mind-blowing evening full of magic, variety, comedy, circus and more!
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, Follow close off of Victoria Street, EH1 2HE (Warehouse)
Aug 4-26 18:35(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Enter secluded Lauriston Castle and travel back in time to a world of clandestine laboratories, hidden passages and secret rooms… Three expert magicians animate the castle’s intriguing past with stories, performances and illusions.
Lauriston Castle • 2a Cramond Road South, EH4 5QD (Lauriston Castle)
Aug 7,14,21 17:30, 19:30(1h15m) £20.00 (£18.00) (£15.00 C)
The Secret Room at The Writers’ Museum
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Discover a trove of imagination and ingenuity. What inspired authors like Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson? Three expert magicians unlock the doors of the Writers’ Museum using magic and illusion.
The Writers’ Museum • Lady Stair’s Close (off the High Street), EH1 2PA (Foyer)
Aug 1-2,8-9,15-16,22-23 17:30, 19:30(1h15m) £20.00 (£18.00) (£15.00 C)
Sleight of Handsome
Freddie Folkston / PBH’s Free Fringe
While away an hour or so as magic meets stand-up comedy. As well as some cunning trickery, Freddie will share his frustrations of modern and not-so-modern life.
La Vida • 3 Queensferry Street Lane, EH2 4PF (Basement Room 1)
Aug 4-25 15:45(55m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Split Egg: A Magic Show About Being Twins
Kane & Abel / PBH’s Free Fringe
These twin tricksters perform magic inspired by clichés surrounding twins. They’ll prove they know what each other is thinking, feeling and which parts of them are truly identical. ‘Impressive’ (BBC Radio Bristol).
CC Blooms • 23-24 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA (CC Blooms)
Aug 4-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 18:45(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Strangers: Mindreader
Strickland Productions
There is a man who reads minds and predicts the future. How he does this remains a mystery. His explanation is bizarre, but is it all lies and trickery? Or is it stranger than you could possibly imagine?
Greenside @ Nicolson Square • 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX (Lime Studio)
Aug 5 16:10(50m) £8.00 (£24.00 F)
Aug 14,16,18,21,23,25 16:10(50m) £10.00 (£8.00) (£24.00 F)
2 Ruby Knockers, 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation
Tim Motley / Free Festival
Ten-time Fringe festivals prize winner! Murders! Explosions! Punctuation#&$@! Comedy, magic, film noir. Think Boardwalk Empire meets Naked Gun meets Derren Brown. ‘Amazing’ ***** (AustralianStage.com.au). ‘Must-see’ ****½ (London Free Press).
Laughing Horse @ Ushers • 32b West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DD (Main Room)
Aug 2-14,16-26 15:45(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Children’s
The Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl
An Edinburgh favourite who sells out every year, Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubble art, science, magic and fun. Combining comedy, artistry, music and audience participation, his spellbinding bubble tricks keep everyone mesmerised.
Underbelly, George Square • George Square, EH8 9LH (Udderbelly)
Aug 2-3 13:30(1h) £7.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 13:30(1h) £12.00 (£9.00)
Aug 8-9,13-16,20-23,27 13:30(1h) £11.00 (£8.00)
Balloonatics
Chris Henry
Balloonatics is the award-nominated, world-travelled family comedy show for anyone crazy about balloons! Join the Balloonatics army, where it doesn’t matter how technically gifted you are as long as you’re having fun! Balloon buffoonery at its best!
Underbelly, Cowgate • 66 Cowgate, entrances on Cowgate and Victoria Street, EH1 1JX
(Belly Laugh)
Aug 2-3 11:40(1h) £6.50
Aug 4-7,10-12,18-19,25-26 11:40(1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
Aug 8-9,13-14 11:40(1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Clowntown: I Can Do Anything, the Funtastic Show by Sphere Clown Band
Sphere Clown Band
‘Big hit!’ (STV). ‘Five stars! Well crafted infectious fun!’ (FringeReview.ca). Sing, dance, laugh with Patty and Dandy’s award-winning Canadian clownband. Slapstick, magic, instruments, puppets, catchy tunes. Gold record.
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall • Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW (Grand Theatre)
Aug 3-7,9-15,17-21,23-25 11:35(40m) £8.00 (£6.00) (£16.00 F)
Dick and Dom: Dick v Dom
Brett Vincent for Get Comedy
Are you ready?! The multi BAFTA-winning legends Dick and Dom are coming to the Fringe for the first time in 2018. It’s an insane live comedy experience that the whole family will never forget.
Underbelly, Bristo Square • Teviot Place, EH8 9AG (McEwan Hall)
Aug 1-3 13:00(1h) £9.00
Aug 4-7,10-12 13:00(1h) £14.50 (£13.50)
Aug 8-9 13:00(1h) £12.50 (£11.50)
Fantastic Magic Show for Kids
Miro Magic Party
The Fantastic Magic Show is a special and unique experience for children and their parents. It is a wonderful and memorable form of entertainment. Don’t forget your balloon animal at the end of the show.
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters • 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS (Maggie’s Front Room)
Jul 31-Aug 1 12:30(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Aug 2-5,7-12,14-19,21-26 11:00(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
The I Hate Children Children’s Show
Unusual Productions
Fun, magic, music and danger collide in the award-winning show that’s fun for kids and also people. Every child is invited to help with the magic on stage. Plus champagne for mums.
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall • Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW (Grand Theatre)
Aug 3-19 12:25(55m) £11.00 (£9.00) (£36.00 F)
The New I Hate Children Children’s Show
20% More Child Hating!
More magic. More fun. More kiddy kicking madness. Treat your family and yourself to this mostly totally new show for older kids and teens.
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall • Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW (Grand Theatre)
Aug 3-19 13:35(55m) £11.00 (£8.00) (£36.00 F)
Aug 20-25 13:35(55m) £10.00 (£8.00) (£34.00 F)
Nutty Noah: You Might Die!
Komedia Entertainment
UK Family Entertainer of the Year 2018 invites you to poke your tongue out at death and stamp on the foot of St Peter. Noah’s trademark comedy, music and stunts will make you feel alive!
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (The Green)
Aug 20-21,27 14:00(1h) £8.00 (£7.00)
Aug 22-23 14:00(1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Aug 24-26 14:00(1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
Tomfoolery’s Beans on Toast Show
Tomfoolery
Following his sell-out Fringe debut last year, Tomfoolery returns with his action-packed show that’s fun for all the family. Bursting with magic, silliness, music and much more! Abracadabra Beans on Toast!
Greenside @ Infirmary Street • 6 Infirmary Street, EH1 1LT (Forest Theatre)
Aug 20-25 10:20(50m) £8.00 (£6.00) (£22.00 F)
Comedy
Gamarjobat
Gilded Balloon and Komedia Entertainment present…
One of the few acts that can truly claim to be a global sensation are back with a show packed full of their world-conquering, fast-paced comedy! ‘Cartoon characters come to life’ (New York Times). ‘A physical comedy masterclass’ (Guardian).
Gilded Balloon at the Museum • Lothian Street, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1HB
(Auditorium) Box Office 0131 622 6552 V64 GE5 28
Aug 1-3 19:30(1h) £8.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,13,15-16 19:30(1h) £11.50 (£9.50) (£38.00 F)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-18 19:30(1h) £12.50 (£10.50) (£42.00 F)
Aug 7 15:00(1h) £12.50 (£10.50) (£42.00 F)
Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show
Hambledon Productions
The UK’s number one Tommy Cooper tribute returns to the Fringe! Tommy, with his misfiring magic and trademark gags, was a comic genius. Starring John Hewer delivering the ultimate performance.
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Nightclub)
Aug 13-16,20-23 16:00(1h) £12.50 (£10.50) (£42.00 F)
Kevin Quantum: And for My Next Trick
Kevin Quantum
Comedy sketch-magic show with more tricks than you can shake a wand at. From magician-scientist hybrid, Kevin Quantum. ‘Will take your breath away, then make it appear in someone else’s pocket’
**** (BroadwayBaby.com).
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Dining Room)
Aug 1-3 21:30(1h) £7.00
Aug 4-5,8-9,13-16,20,22-23 21:30(1h) £12.00 (£10.00)
Aug 6-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 21:30(1h) £13.00 (£11.00)
Mr. Swallow and the Vanishing Elephant
The Pleasance, Nick Mohammed and United Agents
Following the five-star, sell-out success of Houdini, Nick Mohammed’s alter ego Mr. Swallow is back with another hour of magic, music and elephants. ***** (Guardian, Stage, Evening Standard, Metro). Book early to avoid!
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (Pleasance One)
Aug 1-3 19:30(1h) £7.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 19:30(1h) £14.50 (£13.50)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 19:30(1h) £13.50 (£12.50)
Aug 13-14,20-21 19:30(1h) £11.50 (£10.50)
Nerd Time’s a Charm
Tom Crosbie/PBH’s Free Fringe
Tom Crosbie’s first Edinburgh show saw his nerdiness deliver a sell-out run. His second made him a nerd squared. Armed with Rubik’s Cubes and his wit, this year Tom is truly a nerd cubed!
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Ballroom)
Aug 4-26 12:10(1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Pete Firman: Marvels
Phil McIntyre Entertainments in association with Corrie McGuire for CMM
The TV regular and Fringe favourite returns with his astonishing new show. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping magic. ‘The UK’s leading comedy magician’ (Time Out). ‘A spellbinding mix of comedy and magic’ (List).
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (Pleasance Beyond)
Aug 1-3 20:00(1h) £8.50
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 20:00(1h) £15.00 (£13.50)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 20:00(1h) £12.50 (£11.00)
Aug 13-14,20-21 20:00(1h) £11.50 (£10.00)
Piff the Magic Dragon and the Dog Who Knows
Get Comedy / The Stand Comedy Club
Mr Piffles – reader of minds! Star of Las Vegas! Soiler of carpets! Also featuring Piff the Magic Dragon. ‘A stunningly good magician’ (Penn & Teller). ‘Sensational’ (Derren Brown).
The Stand’s New Town Theatre • Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, EH2 3DH (Grand Hall)
Aug 16-26 19:20(1h) £16.00
Tom Brace: Brace Yourself (It’s Magic Time!)
Tom Brace Magic and Play People Productions
Hold on to your raincoats! Tom Brace brings a jam-packed hour of laughs and magic that you simply won’t believe! Expect the unexpected in this mind-boggling variety show.
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (The Green)
Aug 1-3 14:00(1h) £6.00
Aug 4-7,10-12 14:00(1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
Aug 8-9 14:00(1h) £9.00 (£8.00)
Events
The Potter Trail
Grab a wand and join your robed guide on the original tour in Edinburgh designed especially for Potter fans! Discover inspirations for characters and locations and JK Rowling’s old writing haunts. TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017.
Meeting Point at Greyfriars Bobby Statue • Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE (Tour Meeting Point)
Jul 30-Aug 31 12:00,16:00(1h30m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Aug 4-5,11-12,18-19,25-26,Sep 1-2 14:00(1h30m) (Free Non-ticketed)
Theatre
The Chore of Enchantment
Vincent Gambini (with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts)
Disillusioned by global news events, Gambini struggles to differentiate between magic, theatre and reality. A playful deconstruction of conjuring. ‘Thoughtful, bamboozling, multi-layered’ **** (Guardian).
Underbelly, Bristo Square • Teviot Place, EH8 9AG (The Dairy Room)
Aug 1-3 17:45(1h) £7.00
Aug 4-7,10-12,17-19,24-26 17:45(1h) £10.50 (£9.50)
Aug 8-9,14-16,21-23,27 17:45(1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
Classic Conjuring
Dr Taliesin Coward
Experience the wonders of magical mysteries and classic sleight of hand in an interactive freestyle performance with master close-up magician Dr Taliesin. Timeless, sophisticated and spellbinding entertainment to leave you baffled and amused. www.classicconjuring.com.au
St Cuthbert’s Church • 5 Lothian Road, EH1 2EP (Lindisfarne Room)
Aug 3 12:45, 14:00,18:30, 19:45(30m) £12.00 (£30.00 F)
Aug 6 13:30, 14:45(30m) £12.00 (£30.00 F)
Aug 7 15:30, 16:45, 18:00, 19:15(30m) £12.00 (£30.00 F)
The Extinction Event
SEDA and Glynis Henderson Productions in association with HighTide
After 60 minutes, mankind will vanish. Hypnotist magicians David Aula and Simon Evans present an examination of what happens when science starts thinking for itself. Not the story of a magic trick. The story of real magic.
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (Pleasance Above)
Aug 1-3 15:40(1h) £8.00
Aug 4-5,7,10-12,17-19,24-26 15:40(1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 15:40(1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Aug 14,20-21,27 15:40(1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
The Imagicarium of Mr Dickens
Quids In Theatre Company
Love Dickens? Love magic? Imagine if you could sit in Fagin’s den or share a rum with Bill Sykes while he mesmerises you with cards? At last you can.
theSpace on the Mile • 80 High Street, EH1 1TH (Space 2)
Aug 20-25 15:15(50m) £8.00 (£6.00) (£20.00 F)
Strangers: Pairs
Strickland Productions
Survivors on a desert island, siblings in their mother’s attic, magicians preparing a new show. These pairs tell three stories interwoven with magic and illusion, creating an audience experience like no other.
Greenside @ Nicolson Square • 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX (Lime Studio)
Aug 4 16:10(50m) £8.00 (£24.00 F)
Aug 13,15,17,20,22,24 16:10(50m) £10.00 (£8.00) (£24.00 F)
Tonight With Donny Stixx
Fear No Colours
Donny wanted to be a magician. He wanted to impress people. He wanted to go down in history. But he did something horrible: something not even magic could fix. Now how will he be remembered? www.fearnocolours.com
theSpace @ Jurys Inn • 43 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DH (Studio)
Aug 3-5 13:40(1h15m) £8.50 (£6.50) (£20.00 F)
Aug 6-8,13-15,20-22 13:40(1h15m) £9.50 (£7.50) (£20.00 F)
Aug 9-10,16-17,23-24 13:40(1h15m) £10.50 (£8.50) (£28.00 F)
Aug 11,18-19,25 13:40(1h15m) £11.50 (£9.50) (£28.00 F)
The Vanishing Man
SEDA and Glynis Henderson Productions
A time-hopping, mind-bending examination of what really happens when a man in full view simply disappears. More than a magic show, it’s the story of a magic trick: the greatest ever performed. ‘Theatrical magic’ **** (Guardian).
Pleasance Courtyard • 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ (Pleasance Two)
Aug 1-3 14:10(1h) £8.00
Aug 4-5,7,10-12,17-19,24-26 14:10(1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 8-9,15-16,22-23 14:10(1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Aug 14,20-21,27 14:10(1h) £9.50 (£8.50)
If you’re going to be in Edinburgh during August, have a great time. If you’re performing in Edinburgh during August, I hope your show goes really well.
Speak soon.
The Cardman 🙂