Circus the Show and the Greatest Magic Show have become firm family favourites at the Fringe.
This year the Australian company behind Circus the Show is also bringing a new science show for kids and families. Late in the evening the performers will also be exploring their wild side in the X rated Adults Only Magic Show. Ring Master Sam Hume tells Entertainment Now about the perils of bringing four different shows to Edinburgh.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
We’re bringing four wildly different shows: explosions, magic, circus and one very cheeky adults-only night out. Whether you’ve got kids to entertain, or friends to impress, we’ve basically built a one-stop shop!
What is your favourite thing about your show?
The reactions. Kids screaming with joy at science and magic, families gasping at circus stunts, and adults realising magic is much funnier after a drink. That shared “how did they do that?!” moment never gets old.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Honestly, any performer who can do a full season, flyer in the rain, eat dinner standing up, and still make an audience laugh deserves a statue on the Royal Mile.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Big-hearted, chaotic, spectacular. We like our shows full of laughs, surprises and genuine wonder — with just enough madness to make parents wonder if they’re having more fun than the kids.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
As much as we can possibly squeeze in between four shows a day. That’s the magic of the Fringe — you stumble into something you’ve never heard of and walk out completely obsessed.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
Packed rooms, happy families, loud laughs, five-star memories and maybe enough sleep to remember it all. Edinburgh is a dream for us to perform in because the audiences are quite often literally up for anything.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
Energy levels I think is the big one for us. Trying to keep four shows a day looking effortless whilst basically running on coffee, adrenaline and chips! As they say it’s a marathon not a sprint, so we really try and take care of our bodies and trying to emply more people each year which takes some weight off our shoulders whilst also sharing the opportunities – it’s a win-win!
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
That live theatre is magical. Whether they’ve seen explosions, illusions, circus tricks or adults-only ridiculousness, we want them leaving lighter, happier and already planning their next show.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
A good meal at least once a day, nap when I can, and maybe a quiet drink after the adults only show. If just having one quiet drink in Edinburgh during Fringe season is even possible (we, at least, are yet to actually succeed)!
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
Full houses, happy kids, sunshine, a crepe for breakfast and poke bowl for lunch in between shows, a nap that feels like a religious experience when you wake up from it, then finishing the night with a room full of adults laughing far too loudly at our Australian humour!
Circus the Show, Assembly George Square, 13.25, August 5 – 31
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/circus-the-show
Explosive Science Show, 11.45, Assembly George Square, August 6 – 31
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/explosive-science-show
The Greatest Magic Show, 11.45 Assembly George Square, August 6 – 31
https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/the-greatest-magic-show-efff
Adults Only Magic Show, Assembly George Square, 21.40
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/adults-only-magic-show
