One of the most heavily (and successfully) promoted shows I’ve ever seen on the Fringe, the ubiquitous posters have foretold of the coming of the boy wonder, James Phelan, long before his arrival. But is it and is he really up to the hype?
Well, yes and no.
Without wanting to give too much away – no spoilers here – the show is certainly entertaining. In Underbelley’s giant Spiegeltent know as ‘The Beauty’, Phelan holds court from a raised ‘in the round’ centre stage, which suits his style of friendly bonhomie. His quick wit plays on the answers from various audience volunteers and draws easy and relaxed laughs, and never in a nasty way.
The biggest surprise and to some extent, disappointment, here, is that this is not really a magic show at all, in the traditional sense, but more an example of expert ‘cold reading’, hypnotism and manipulation, the like of which, from the crowd gasps, it’s clear many have never seen before.
Phelan is like some sort of super computer that receives, analyses and processes the raw data all around him on stage and in the audience and casual interactions to arrive, almost instantaneously, at some freakily accurate predictions.
The final showstopper ‘trick’ is also beautifully and subtly delivered, to send the packed crowd home happy and amazed, and wondering, how did he just do that?
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 9th August 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Running time – 1hr