KIDS LOVE magic – simple as that.
Just look at the ongoing popularity of Harry Potter more than a decade after the last of the smash-hit films was released.
Well, Aussie comic magicians Sam and Justin have tapped into children’s desire to be thrilled – and tickled! – and created the perfect Fringe show for younger audiences.
The Greatest Magic Show has won awards and sold out across the globe, and judging by the raucous reaction of the young audience, that’s set to continue at Edinburgh.
Let’s be frank. The boys, with the assistance of their superb ringmaster Magnus “Danger” Magnus, know exactly how to get kids on their side. They love it when they think they’re getting away with something just a little bit rude with mum and dad sat there and so from the very first mention of “stinky-butt babies” there’s a steady stream of poo, fart and bogey gags – much to the kiddywinkles’ delight!
Put it this way, I was sat next to sisters Lily and Milly (I know, can you imagine?!) and almost lost what little hearing I have left when they screamed with laughter as a young volunteer on stage was told he’d “Pooped coins!”
Speaking of five-year-old Will, he almost stole the show. A natural on stage, he was the perfect foil for Sam and Justin as they made coins appear from every orifice and almost threw them when, after they asked if he’d ever wanted to be a clown, he replied with a very firm “Yes!”
There’s lots of audience participation, the kids in the crowd being encouraged to wave the free wands they were presented with before the show – a genius bit of marketing – and shout “Abraca-undies!” in true panto style.
But don’t let the naughty comedy distract you from some truly impressive conjuring. The lads might excel at the old Tommy Cooper schtick of making a trick seemingly go wrong effortlessly hilarious but you need to be a master of your craft to get away with that.
The boys are playing a fairly big venue but the performance I saw was as near sold-out as dammit so booking would be advisable.
The Greatest Magic Show! 14:30, Assembly George Square Gardens – Palais Du Variete
For tickets visit https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/greatest-magic-show
