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Mario the Maker Magician

 
Frodo Allan Review by Frodo Allan 4 Published: 8 Aug 2025 Underbelly, George Square Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-17 Aug 2025

New York-based Mario Marchese has been travelling the world bringing his delightful mix of magic, robots and physical comedy to children of all ages and has developed a heck of a reputation, making TV appearances from The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to Sesame Street, and being called “the best kids’ magician in the world” by David Blaine.

A high energy hour of magic and mayhem

Our first sight of Mario is as he bursts on to the stage, declares that he’ll be back soon, and Naruto-runs offstage again. It immediately flags that this is going to be a high-energy hour of magic and mayhem. We spend a few more moments listening to some absolutely banging punk-rock covers of Disney songs before Mario returns to the stage and opens the show by having everyone clap, cheer, call back and get frantically excited as he introduces us to his madcap magic show.

The trick of reviewing a magic show is to never give away the secrets, so I’ll just say that the actual sleight of hand, illusions, tricks and spectacle are performed with aplomb by a master of his craft. There’s a lot of slapstick, screaming, falling over and chaos – and that’s just Mario on his own. Children and adults get the chance to get involved in the antics and each volunteer is treated like a unique star. Mario fills the space with enthusiasm, love and encouragement, constantly reminding us that we are capable of anything and that there’s nothing better than imagination and following our dreams. It’s a simple but welcome message in these dark days and a delight to watch the children respond so positively to Mario’s very earnest affirmations.

At times it seems like it’s all going wrong, but the anarchy is masking a very tight show where every dropped prop, every broken device, and even the set falling apart is just setting up a fantastic finale that left many a child – and this reviewer – open-mouthed in amazement.

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The Blurb:

Mario the Maker Magician returns for a limited season only! Bringing his robot magic live from New York, Mario returns to Edinburgh with a show full of original magic, handmade robots and modern slapstick. Fast-paced, interactive and full of heart, Mario leads you through a romping explosion of contagious energy and belly laughs. For kids, adults, families, everyone! As seen on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Sesame Street, Universal Kids and live on tour with David Blaine. 'The best kids' magician in the world!' (David Blaine). 'An incredible gift' (David Copperfield). ***** (List). ***** (Stage).