Among the big hits at MagicFest so far Shape Shifters, a joyful and visually striking new performance for younger children, with spectacular costumes by designer Alison Brown has wowed audiences.
Telling the story of two animal friends, who have to decide what to do when a new creature comes along, it fuseddance, theatre, and jaw-dropping illusions, with creative input from Lea Kyle, world champion of quick-change magic.
And there’s so much more to look forward to according to MagicFest organiser and co-founder Kevin Quantum, who said: “It’s been a fabulous 16th MagicFest so far, with big successes like Shape Shifters, and it all reaches its peak this weekend with some of the very best shows still to come.
“There’s lots of really joyous entertainment that’s full of fun and wonder to enjoy and help keep the festive spirit between Christmas and the New Year.”
- Christmas Special: Kevin Quantum and guests in a riotous full-evening magic show on the big stage, with spectacular illusions and oodles of family-friendly fun. Ages 5+.
- Tricky Ricky: Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show. Ages 4+.
- Insane Magic: After Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs Insane return with their biggest show yet – an hour of mind-blowing magic, with fan-favourite classics sprinkled into the mix. Ages 12+.
- Four Magicians: Heading to Edinburgh from Aberdeen, four guys with one great magic show. A fab family show. AUDIENCE WARNING: Expect Dad jokes. Ages 12+.
- Making Magic Workshop with Tim Licata: In this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it.
Johnny Martin, Director of Kiran’s Trust, one of the funders of the Shape Shifters project, said: “I took my seven-year-old granddaughter to Shape Shifters. She immediately engaged with the storyline. She enjoyed the magic and was into the movement on the stage – clapping along.
“Her question to me was ‘why don’t the bugs want the grasshopper to dance with them?’. So, she was happy when the three characters were dancing together!”
MagicFest takes place at venues across the city until 30 December.
MagicFest highlights include
Christmas Special
- Prices: £20.00 – £24.50
- Dates: Dates until 30 December
- Times: 23 and 23 December 14:00 and 19:00. Other dates 12:00 and 16:00
- Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DR
- Age: 5+
The Magic Awareness Society: Step into a dystopian world where magic is forbidden and wonder is prosecuted… This immersive experience blends theatre and astonishing feats of close-up magic from master magicians mere inches from your eyes.
- Duration: 90 mins
- Tickets: Preview: £18/£16 CONC, Full Price: £24/£22 CONC
- Dates: Mon 29 Dec 19:30 (preview), Tue 30 Dec 13:30, 16:30, 19:30
- Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh
- Ages: 12+
Insane Magic
- Duration: 60 mins
- Tickets: £14 /£12 CONC/CHILD
- Sat 27 Dec 13:30 and 15:15, Sun 28 Dec 13:30 and 15:15
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
- Ages: 12+ (guideline)
Four Magicians
- Duration: 80 mins
- Tickets: £14/£12 CONC
- Dates: Sat 27 Dec 19:00 and Sun 28 Dec 19:00
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
- Ages: 12+ (guideline)
Tricky Ricky
- Duration: 50 min
- Tickets: £12.50/10 CONC/CHILD
- Mon 27 Dec 10:00 and 11:30, Tue 28 Dec 10:00 and 11:30
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
- Ages: 4+
Richard Wiseman, The World’s Most Boring Card Trick: Can you stay the course? Master magician Professor Richard Wiseman dares you to try to sit through the most boring card trick ever performed.
- Duration: 50 min
- Tickets: £7/5 CONC
- Dates: Sat 27 Dec 17:00
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
- Ages: 16+
Making Magic Workshop with Tim Licata
- Duration: 90 min
- Tickets: £20
- Sat 27 Dec 11:30, Sun 28 Dec 15:00
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
- Ages: 12-18
