EDINBURGH 2012: BWW Reviews: BULLET CATCH, Traverse Theatre, August 9

For a performance that includes the most dangerous magic trick in the world, Bullet Catch is not that much of a magic show: there is little more than a handful of tricks. This said Rob Drummond has crafted an entertaining show which uses as the backdrop a re-telling of an ill-fated attempt at this same trick.

The tension builds slowly with laughing at jokes gradually being replaced by nervous laughter as the climax approaches. The scattering of tricks and involvement of the audience builds tension and furthers the interesting exploration of fate and human nature. The feel is part magic show part philosophy with some psychology for good measure.

It is interesting that such a friendly and charming man would find himself with a whole room full of people watching to see if he’ll be shot dead. As the show reaches its titular final moment the audience is given the option for anyone who wants to leave to do so. No one moved. By this point the strained laughs are those of an audience squirming in their seats under the stomach churning tension.   

Publicity for the show is beautifully vague as to whether this is a play or a magic show. When you are there it feels more real than either could hope to be, it defies such simplistic categorisation. I left with my nerves in tatters and questions about destiny, choice and the human mind swilling around my head.

Bullet Catch is on at the Traverse theatre everyday until the 26^th.  

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