Close-Up Magic Showcase - 9 out of 10
Adelaide Magic Theatre
TICKETS: Close-Up Magic Showcase | Adelaide Fringe
Close-Up Magic Showcase, presented by Adelaide Magic Theatre,
offers an enchanting 60-minute journey into the art of intimate illusion,
featuring host Sam King, Adelaide-based and Singaporean-born Benedict,
and South African magician Stuart Lightbody.
Stepping into Adelaide’s only dedicated close-up magic
venue, the audience is immediately drawn into an atmosphere of wonder, with
just 25 guests gathered around for an experience where every move and reaction
happens within arm’s reach. Over the hour, the trio perform dazzling feats:
card manipulations, coin illusions, a Rubik’s cube marvel, and even a
particularly memorable broken balloon trick, all delivered with polish and
personality. The show’s pace never falters; if anything, it’s so enjoyable
you’ll wish it ran twice as long.
As a self-confessed lover of magic videos, Penn
& Teller: Fool Us marathons, and even the occasional Breaking
the Magician’s Code rewatch, I arrived ready to catch the sleight of
hand. But despite that readiness, I was constantly delighted, flabbergasted and
confounded – proof of just how skilful these performers are.
After patiently waiting for any stragglers, the audience is
promised an hour full of participation, a key feature in close-up magic, and
indeed that is exceeded. Host Sam King warms up the crowd before introducing
local magician Benedict, who wows and shocks the audience with magic tricks of
varying applications and methods.
Following Benedict is Stuart Lightbody, who is a master at
card tricks, even in proximity of a couple of volunteers who handle the deck, select
cards and even could change their minds. This reviewer was one of Lightbody’s
very willing volunteers. The ultimate wow-factor was not only his 13-card trick,
but also re-organising a very messed up, cards face up/ face down deck except
for a chosen card.
Close-Up Magic Showcase is a one-of-a-kind experience,
brimming with surprise, humour, and genuinely impressive wizardry. It’s a
must-see for magic lovers and anyone seeking a uniquely intimate Fringe
experience — one that keeps you captivated from start to finish.
- Andrew Broadbent
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