Review: THE MAN WHO WAS MAGIC, Adelphi Theatre

James Phelan’s latest production, The Man Who Was Magic, arrived at the Adelphi Theatre for one night only after a triumphant Edinburgh run and confirmed his reputation as a magician with both flair and heart. The show opened to the smooth sounds of the Rat Pack and swing, the stage bathed in the warm glow of gold and red lanterns, which evoked a nostalgic atmosphere and invited the audience into a world of wonder.

Fresh from his success at McEwan Hall, Phelan framed his show around the idea of transforming fleeting imagination into lasting reality. He recalled his childhood routine of filling notebooks with hopes and desires, a theme which runs throughout the performance and binds his magic with storytelling.

An ingenious fast-track trick with a collection of classic novels, from Pride and Prejudice to The Jungle Book started the journey. Members of the front rows were invited to select words, only for other, unexpected phrases to materialise in surprising and joyous fashion. A close-up camera projected the reactions of participants, adding intimacy and excitement to the sleight of hand throughout the show.

Phelan’s gift for connecting with his audience is undeniable. His ability to cold read participants and reveal personal details was as eerie as it was impressive. A highlight came with a heart-shaped ring which found its way to an unexpected and meaningful location. Another moving moment involved a young volunteer who received a special good luck coin, creating a tender exchange which resonated deeply with both the child and the wider audience.

A giant red balloon, playful card routines, and a uncomfortable yet mesmerising sideshow involving needles tested the nerves, as much as they delighted alongside a fire trick. The centrepiece of the evening involved a celebrated lottery number routine demonstrating technical mastery, while reinforcing the show’s central theme of making the impossible appear possible.

Directed by Matt Peover, Amanda Baker and Debbie McGee, the show balanced scale with closeness, spectacle with sincerity. If there is a minor reservation, it lies in occasional pacing, as some routines risked lingering a touch longer than necessary. However, the charm and warmth of Phelan’s performance quickly restored momentum.

James Phelan joined The Magic Circle in 2016 and became the first magician to sell out a two-week solo run there. The Man Who Was Magic combines spectacle with suspense, a genuine love of storytelling and connection. It is a show which dazzles with skill, moves with sincerity, and reminds us why live magic retains its timeless appeal.