Piff-Tacular - Free: 4 star review by Chris Learmonth

By Chris Learmonth
|
23rd Aug 2009
|
★★★★

What do you get if you cross Jack Dee with Paul Daniels? - Piff the Magic Dragon!Piff-Tacular is a magic show and stand-up gig all in one, which despite featuring a cute puppy, is definitely not for young children.Card tricks, mind reading and fire breathing (what else do you expect from a dragon) all feature, as well as the infamous 'sawing the lady in half' stunt.What makes these magic routines so appealing is the excellent stand-up material which accompanies each trick.Dressed in a dragon costume, Piff (Hackney Empire's New Act of the Year 2009 finalist, John Van der Put) wouldn't look out of place on CBBC. However Van der Put plays with this children's entertainer image by constantly flirting with the woman in the audience. His deadpan delivery is excellent.Presumably word has already spread about this show, owing to the size of the crowd - Over 100 people and standing room only. The Free Fringe Festival is certainly proving to be a success!A superb hours entertainment, and possible the best free show on the Fringe.

Reviews by Chris Learmonth

The Miser

★★★

Once Upon A Time: Naughty Fairy Tales Your Mother Never Told You

★

Flying Forward

★★★

Hard Hearted Hannah And Other Stories

★★★★

Teechers

★★★★★

Gagarin Way

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

'Piff-Tacular' - armed only with astounding magical skills, a mind-reading fish and a penchant for princesses, can Piff become the greatest magic performing dragon of all time? Come and find out! www.piffthemagicdragon.com