Thursday, September 10

Tag: James Phelan

James Phelan: Showman – Underbelly Circus Hub
Scotland

James Phelan: Showman – Underbelly Circus Hub

Magician James Phelan has done a great job creating an entertaining and interactive show. From predicting cards to reading minds, there were plenty of moments that kept the audience interested and involved throughout the performance. The interactive nature of the show was definitely one of its strongest aspects, as it made the audience feel like they were part of the magic rather than simply watching from their seats. The lighting and overall presentation were also very well done. The lighting added to the atmosphere and helped create the right mood for the different parts of the performance. James did an excellent job engaging the audience, and his confidence and stage presence made the show enjoyable from beginning to end. However, one thing I would recommend is adding some new...
James Phelan: The Man Who Was Magic – Underbelly Bristo Square
Scotland

James Phelan: The Man Who Was Magic – Underbelly Bristo Square

I was captivated from the moment I entered the theatre. The stage lighting was vibrant and psychedelic, perfect for a night of illusions and entertainment. James Phelan displayed a visually stunning magic show that was also filled with humour and cleverness. Though the magic itself was impressive—particularly one particularly memorable instance where it seemed as though a card had travelled through the air between audience members—it was James's sense of humour and timing that were truly able to command the evening. The audience was laughing the whole time, and the atmosphere in the room never fell because of his interactive and comedic stage presence. Phelan's stage presence was welcoming and assured, such that the entire show felt intimate and inclusive. The way he interacted w...
The Dreamer: Live – Underbelly Circus Hub
Scotland

The Dreamer: Live – Underbelly Circus Hub

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 m...