This venue, squeezed in the gap between Teviot Hall and McEwan Hall at Bristo Square is slightly awkward to find, but well worth seeking out for this hit show by all-rounder Richard Essien, AKA Magic Bones.
With a triple threat of magic, humour and break-dance, Essien brings this brand new show to Edinburgh fringe, and by the end has the audience eating out of his hand. Britain’s Got Talent finalist in 2020, described there as ‘the, best-presented magic act I’ve ever seen’, Essien gives a unique mixture of high octane, high energy, but in turns gentle and transfixing performance, which has you leaning in right from the start.
One of the hottest acts on the British magic scene, we are treated to plenty of top quality extraordinary tricks, illusions and misdirection, flips and dances also mixed in with a good bit of storytelling and audience participation. It is in this this personable side to Bones, no doubt honed performing on the streets, that this show really wins. Having said that, I’m not sure where the ‘soulful’ description comes from, but who cares.
His final trick involving close-up deck manipulation to a music track is beautifully delivered with the smooth skill of an expert at the top of his game, and a fitting end to a very quick hour.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 16th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: