EDINBURGH 2010: BWW Reviews: MAGICIANS! BEHIND THE MAGIC!

Quite simply, I found Magicians! Behind the Magic! to be absolutely brilliant. I basically laughed the entire way through.

It's not a high concept show, and it's not carried out with slick sets and high-tech props. They're essentially performing in a cave. But those things in no way make the show any less funny - and it is very funny. If anything those aspects add to the humour.

The show is based around master magician Fabuloso (think Zoolander with magic) and his naïve but loyal apprentice Dupont as they (attempt to) demonstrate the tricks of the trade. But don't be put off if you hate magic; you'll probably love the show for the loving mockery of the dramatic approach that frequently accompanies magicians as well as the 'illusion' behind the more basic and obvious tricks. If you're a fan of magic you'll probably love the show for the same reason.

The writing is very clever and a spot-on parody of the subject matter. Alex Swift and Richard Crawley write and perform the material fantastically and clearly have a natural talent for thinking-on-your-feet comedy. Obviously no style of comedy is going to be for everyone, but they are extremely good within their style, and if you liked Zoolander and its kin, it'd be a good idea for you to see this gem of a show.

As if you need any other reasons to see the show, there are also black spangley leggings! And comedy wigs! And toast!

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