That time already? The Edinburgh fringe is upon us once again and as ever; magic and the mystery arts are becoming an increasingly popular genre in the world’s biggest arts festival.
So with so much to choose from, how on earth are you going to decide what to go see?!
Fear not, that’s where this blog comes in! I’ve sifted through all 83 (yes, 83!) magic related shows at this year’s fringe that I could find and narrowed it down to my top 13 personal recommendations for this years fringe.
Unfortunately, this year I am not performing my one-man solo show, however you can still catch me at countless cabaret and variety shows across the festival!
These can be found by getting in touch or by keeping up with my social media channels!
Aaron Crow: FearLess
Aaron Crow is an award-winning international mystician and danger act. Following sensational appearances on both Britain's and America's Got Talent, Aaron brings you a unique show that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Cameron Says: I’ve seen Aaron perform live countless times and he never disappoints. Death-defying stunts mixed with his beautifully creepy character make him a thrilling watch from start to finish!
Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Ballroom) • 21:30
Ava Beaux: The Mysterious Tales of Poe
Enter the macabre minds of Beaux and Poe. Follow Ava into a web of gothic tales told through magic, dark humour and thrilling storytelling. 'Delightfully creepy' (WorldMagicReview.com).
Cameron Says: Ava is one of the (very) few female magicians at the fringe and is an absolute delight to watch. Her graceful and eloquent storytelling style leaves her audiences equally mystified and charmed
Revolution Bar • 30 Chambers St, EH1 1HU (Function Room) • 20:30
Ben Hart: The Nutshell
Award-winning magician Ben Hart triumphantly returns to Edinburgh with a show that shines a light on magic, life, the universe and the darkest corners of your imaginations. Total sell-out 2017/18.
Cameron Says: Get tickets early for this one! After his success on BGT this year, Ben is sure to sell out fast! As well as being one of the nicest people in magic, Ben’s unique take on storytelling makes for an enthralling experience!
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Dining Room) • 17:30
Chris Dugdale: Down to One
Total sell-out 2017 and 2018. The only act ever to win the Edfest Bouquet three times. 14 Royal Performances. 'The most unbelievable ending of any trick ever!' (ITV). 'One of the top magicians' (BroadwayBaby.com).
Cameron Says: Chris is one of the most experienced magicians working in the world today. He’s a great friend and of all the times i’ve seen him perform live (which is many), I think I can only remember one that didn’t receive a full room standing ovation. Speaks for itself, really!
Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Drawing Room) • 19:40
Elliot Bibby – Magic in a Jiffy
Join Scottish Magician of the Year 2018 in this fast-moving show full of laughs and surprises that reveals the magic in the everyday.
Cameron Says: As many people know, i’m very close to Elliot however that means that i’m in a unique position to tell you that his fringe show this year is looking like it’s going to be the best yet! One of the best magicians working in the UK at the moment, this show is an absolute must-see!
The Voodoo Rooms • 19a West Register Street, EH2 2AA (The Ballroom) • 18:30
Griffin and Jones: Surprisingly Good Magicians
The pioneers of slapdash magic are back with another mishmash of magical mayhem, contagious energy and showstopping wizardry. 'Machine-gun patter' SSSS½ (TheReviewsHub.com). 'See the show!' SSSS (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Perfect' (FringeGuru.com).
Cameron Says: Again, these two are two of the most genuinely nice guys in the magic community. Having become a bit of a fringe institution, their two-man shows have some of the most genuinely side-splitting and creative moments of any magic show i’ve seen. If you’re around late at night, be sure to look up the “Lock-In Cabaret”, their cabaret show, for the show that you’ll be telling your pals about for weeks after!
Voodoo Rooms • West Register Street, EH2 2AA (Speakeasy) • 18:15
Luke Jermay: Strange Power
Luke Jermay is the most incredible man you've probably never heard of. He knows your past, present and future! This interactive show has Jermay providing personal, intuitive readings and future predictions with amazing razor-sharp accuracy!
Cameron Says: Those magicians that know me will know how much of an influence Luke has had on my style of performing (hint: it’s a lot!). His shows feel an awful lot more like an “experience” than a “show” and I guarantee you will leave with your head spinning in amazement! Highly recommended!
Assembly Rooms • 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Drawing Room) • 21:10
Man of Mischief - Mark Watson
Magic. Juggling. Comedy. One man's story of escaping corporate life to run away with the circus. 'Absolutely fantastic… 10/10!' (Jamie Raven, Britain's Got Talent). 'Hilariously bamboozled… a rare treat' (TheCircusDiaries.com).
Cameron Says: Mark is first and foremost a street performer and a bloody good one. His sharp, quick-witted humour combined with stunning magic and juggling makes this a variety show not to be missed!
Subway • 69 Cowgate, EH1 1JW (Main Room) • 17:00
Split Egg: A Magic Show About Being Twins
Every question the identical twin brothers have been asked during their life have been developed into the narrative of this magic show. 'Both shine individually as magicians and comedians' (BroadwayBaby.com).
Cameron Says: Another pair of absolute gents who i’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over numerous fringe festivals. Both of their shows at the festival are fun, hilarious and give a unique twist on your classic magic show!
CC Blooms • 23-24 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA (CC Blooms) • 18:45
Stunt Magician – Danger Dave Reubens
Back with more outrageous stunts, jaw-dropping magic and crazy comedy in a new show that'll have you on the edge of your seat. This is one for the thrill seekers and magic lovers!
Cameron Says: The return of Danger Dave! After taking a year off the fringe to travel the world, Dave is back with a vengeance! One of my favourite concepts for a character show, I absolutely know Dave has some treats in store for those brave enough to see this daredevil in action!
Bar Bados Complex • 65 Cowgate, EH1 1JW (Room 4) • Aug 3-13 17:00
Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse • 9c Victoria St, EH1 2HE (Warehouse) • Aug 14-25 15:45
Tom Crosbie: Nerd World Problems
Not just a big beautiful brain, Tom Crosbie put the heart and soul into being an unabashed nerd, performing for your pleasure. Come for the Rubik's Cubes, stay for a big hug of be-cardiganned joy.
Cameron Says: The world’s first (and only) performing nerd, Tom is as nerdy as I aspire to be and he uses this to the absolute joy of his audiences. Maths, useless facts, rubik’s cubes, you name it! Something totally different to break up the rest of the magic!
Gilded Balloon Teviot • Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ (Nightclub) •
Dan Bastianelli – Trixated
Dan Bastianelli is fixated with magic and trickery. After a very successful debut Fringe in 2018 (at just 19 years old!) he returns with a brand-new magical hour, which strives to share with you his love for the art of deception, in a fresh and vibrant way.
Cameron Says: Dan is a brilliant young magician from Edinburgh that’s making waves locally at the moment!
CC Blooms (Venue 171) • 15:00
The Grumpy Magicians Present ‘There’s One Born Every Minute’
The Grumpy Magicians are back with another hilarious show where they will entertain the audience with some amazing magical effects. Come along and find out if you will be duped into being one of those born every minute.
Cameron Says: Another staple of the Edinburgh fringe, this pair are the happiest grumpy magicians I know. Fun Fact: Paul Novak actually gave me my first opportunities to perform on stage when I was 16 years old!
CC Blooms (Venue 171) • 17:30