For a magician, being a showman is just as important as the tricks themselves. Ben delivers both with style – and though he doesn’t cram his hour full of tricks, his presence, wit, and crowd control make the show feel complete.
Vanishing objects, mind-reading, sleight of hand and card tricks – the fundamentals are all there, executed with flair and precision. The result is an entertaining hour which leaves you wanting more. He has to beckon the audience to clap as they are in literal awe of what they’ve just witnessed, before a rumble of chatter erupts as people try to figure out his secret.
There is no fluff between the magic – every trick is an impressive feat – even if a couple are obvious in their method. He talks his way through them, giving them a grand set-up and even better pay-off. His mind reading – which he extensively sets up with Christopher Nolan’s Inception style backstory of lucid dreaming is a highlight of the show.
Audience participation is fundamental to the show with another ‘remarkable’ piece of magic coming from members volunteering their wedding rings.
He ties back to the inception idea expertly in his finale allowing him a dramatic walk off the stage.
The Remarkable Ben Hart, Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens, 18:25, Until Aug 24
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-remarkable-ben-hart
