SHOWMAN: Magician James Phelan to Bring New Show to London and Edinburgh Fringe
The award-winning illusionist will perform SHOWMAN at Underbelly Boulevard Soho following a sold-out run at The Magic Circle.
World-renowned magician James Phelan will bring his new magic spectacular SHOWMAN to London's West End and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.
The award-winning illusionist will first appear at Underbelly Boulevard Soho in London this June before embarking on a major run at Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.
Direct from sold-out performances around the world, SHOWMAN combines large-scale illusions, audience participation, comedy and theatrical storytelling. The new production follows the success of Phelan's acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe hit The Man Who Made Magic, a nationwide UK tour and his appearance on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year.
Phelan has become one of the UK's most talked-about magicians. He first made national headlines after correctly predicting National Lottery numbers live on air, a feat that reportedly generated such a response that it overwhelmed the BBC switchboard. In 2024, he became the first magician to sell out a two-week solo run at The Magic Circle in London.
"I'm so wonderfully excited to be bringing SHOWMAN to London and Edinburgh," said Phelan. "It's my love letter to what makes us all sparkle, unique and remembered. It brings together the magic that has made me over the past ten years, the people who have shaped me, and presents it through the moments audiences have loved most, mixed with completely new ideas that I can't wait to bring to the stage."
He continued, "It's been an incredible year: the tour has grown into the biggest touring magic show in the country, I've had my first proper taste of television and more people than ever are coming along for the ride—continuing to prove, as always, that those who believe in magic are always the ones who find it."
Critics have praised Phelan's work as "British magic at its finest" and "the perfect night of wonder," with audiences responding to his blend of large-scale illusion, humor and engaging Stage Presence.
Offstage, Phelan is also the creator and host of How To Be Famous, one of the UK's fastest-growing entertainment podcasts. The series has featured guests including Katie Price, Melinda Messenger, Gareth Gates, Russell Kane, Neil Fox and Giovanni Pernice.
Known for combining contemporary showmanship with astonishing magic, Phelan has earned comparisons to both comedian Joel Dommett and illusionist David Blaine, establishing himself as one of Britain's leading theatrical magicians.
Performance Information
SHOWMAN
London Engagement
Underbelly Boulevard Soho
June 2026
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Venue: Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows
August 2026
Tickets for both engagements are on sale now.
