There’s no question that Ben Hart is an international sensation. He’s been a regular face on TV in the UK and internationally since 2014 and seems to be the go-to guy for both Hollywood and the theatre world when jaw-dropping illusions are required.
Hart weaves his magic with charismatic storytelling and flair
Dressed in a tan suit with sleeves rolled up, Hart takes to the stage at the Palais du Varieté spiegeltent at Assembly George Square and explains that HeX is his 10th show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and he has decided to deliver a “best of” the past decade by presenting his ten favourite illusions from his previous shows. This means that we experience a wide range of routines that are linked only by Hart’s narrative banter.
However, these aren’t just tricks – Hart weaves his magic with charismatic storytelling and flair with interjections of his trademark self-deprecating charm. It is his admitted wish that the audience should experience a child-like wonder as we witness his performance and Hart himself seems to take a childish delight in making us gasp. We do indeed experience wonder as we are presented with everyday objects that transform in front of our eyes, borrowed items that defy physics to melt and merge in impossible ways, and moments that could have come straight from a Victorian séance.
Hart works the crowd with an easy confidence and is quick to react to unexpected responses and friendly heckles with a sharp wit that shows he belongs in front of an audience. Each volunteer who takes to the stage is a willing participant in these moments of wonder and Hart ensures that they all return to their seats to thunderous applause. However, the real applause is reserved for the magician and it’s well-deserved. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years hold for Hart.
