Edinburgh’s only Magic shop, Wonder & Co, near Haymarket Station, only opened its doors a few months ago, but the youthful ambition of owner/host, Cameron Gibson is clear to see. Looking like a mixture between Wonka and Potter, the charismatic Gibson seeks to induce magic and wonder to all, and certainly succeeds to some extent. The first wonder is the hidden magic room accessed via a small stair and a hinged bookcase; I feel like I’m in an episode of Mr Ben!
Providing a deck of cards and a coin to the twelve seated guests, Gibson explains some simple card tricks and touches on the art of misdirection, in an almost scholastic setting. It is perhaps testimony to the success of the Edinburgh Magic Festival, now in its 14th year, and the health of the ‘Magic’ genre in general, that all twelve seats are filled for a magic workshop starting at 9:30am on a cold December morning.
Like excited school kids we wait to hear the tricks behind the magic. It is a mixed bunch of apprentices, acolytes, and the odd reviewer with his (sleep deprived) teenage daughter.
The ninety-minute workshop format, whilst understandable and well conceived only works up to a point, and at times feels pretty cumbersome, particularly when we are asked to try the tricks ourselves on people sitting next to us. Magic at the end of the day relies primarily on natural Dexterity and hours and hours of practice on minute details. This is like trying to learn Chinese in a morning. The short time here is not turning any of us into magicians, but that being said, is still enjoyable and informative.
In the last few minutes of the session Gibson revs into some of his own impressive magic tricks without many explanations, showing perhaps what can be achieved after many years of graft and dedication.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 29th December 2023
North West End UK Rating: