Ben Hart is already a star by any measure, having headlined his own BBC shows and reached the final of a certain UK-based TV talent show, but when Hart enters the vast stage of the Pleasance Grand he doesn’t appear to be prepared for a magic show. Instead of a sharp suit, he’s clad in a simple, dark cotton jumpsuit and there are no props or apparent magical paraphernalia in sight. This is because Hart has crafted a remarkably intimate performance for a space that seats an audience of 750 people.
Hart has crafted a remarkably intimate performance for a space that seats an audience of 750 people
Much like his previous Fringe shows, which were focused on the nature of belief or the unpredictable effects of random actions, Hart is concerned with wonder. Can he, as the magician who created the show (and therefore knows all the secrets), experience the same level of wonder and mystery that the audience experiences? Without spoiling anything for future audiences, his solution to this question is indeed wonderous.
Hart clearly has a passion for storytelling. He takes the smallest magical trick and weaves a fascinating tale around it that makes impressive sleight of hand only a part of the larger narrative. He is an engaging character on stage and exudes a subversive star quality that’s perfect for today’s image-obsessed audience; skilled without seeming elitist, charming and talented without ego. He flips between being the showman with a wry smile, and an occasionally awkward performer who seems to hide a manic obsessive streak that refuses to see the world as anything less than a constant miracle.
As in his previous shows, Hart has provided a camera and operator to zoom in on some of the show's more subtle moments however the choice to project onto a transparent plastic strip curtain means that some of those smaller moments are still hard to see, especially with the house lights up which happens during some of the participatory moments. It’s a small quibble in an otherwise perfect show.
If you’re anxious about the current state of the world and the news is getting you down, I recommend getting along to this show where Ben Hart will remind you that, although it is often dark and twisted, the world is filled with Wonder.
