Festival Fringe Review: Ben Hart – The Vanishing Boy ****
This magic show at Underbelly uses a fascinating narrative to tell a story, illustrated by illusions and tricks along the way.
Ben Hart, the young magician is very talented using textures with his tricks (water, paper, cloth, rope, dust and balls). He does not go for the big illusionary props. There were some of the standard tricks that are the stock in trade for most magicians but others which the reviewer had not seen before which Ben had designed. He uses dexterity and sleight of hand that at times has to be seen to be believed.
The packed audience certainly found him very entertaining. At times they were spellbound and wanting the tricks to continue. One audience member commented to the reviewer as he was leaving that the show was “Wonderful, purely poetic!”
Children in the audience were invited up on stage to participate. There may have been one small swearword but otherwise this is a show for them – accompanied by adults, of course!
using textures with his tricks (water, paper, cloth, rope, dust and balls) so he does not go for the big illusionary props. There were some of the standard tricks that are the stock in trade for most magicians but then there were others which the reviewer had not seen before which Ben had designed. He uses dexterity and sleight of hand that at times has to be seen to be believed.
This show has been very popular so it pays to book your tickets in advance at the Underbelly, Cowgate for the 4.40pm show – 10 out of 13 of his shows have been sold out so far! The show runs till the 24th Aug.