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Piff the Magic Dragon & Mr Piffles

 
Jessie Maltin Review by Jessie Maltin 5 Published: 20 Aug 2013 Show Dates: 1 Aug 2013-25 Aug 2013

It's not hard to understand why Piff the Magic Dragon is so popular – he's hilariously funny, tremendously talented and has a teeny tiny chihuahua in a matching ­costume. I've always been a fan of simple old-school sleight of hand; the sort of magic that doesn't ­require bells and whistles but still manages to mesmerise. Piff ­delivers just that and so much more. It's hard to say whether he's a ­comedian who performs card tricks and illusions or a magician who uses comedy because he's so adept at both.

His deadpan humour and ­timing are perfect, as is that of his amusingly dour assistant, Amy Sunshine. The show is interactive, calling upon many different ­audience members to partake as they hold things, shred things, sign things and more. He calls them down in a Price is Right-esque fashion, the response often being squeals of joy and glee. I was ­particularly impressed with his ability to suffer fools graciously, as he often had to repeat ­instructions. He mocked his ­volunteers gently and carried on, never ­missing a beat.

The Fringe is a unique environment; you never really know what you're going to see – so experiencing a professional manipulate dozens of fragile props whilst ­simulataneously entertaining a large crowd and parading around in a dragon costume with a similarly-attired pooch was nothing short of a pleasure. Piff is quite simply delightful.

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Performances

The Blurb:

He's played Sydney Opera House. Toured with Mumford & Sons. Had over ten million hits on YouTube. But enough about Mr Piffles - The World's First Conjuring Chihuahua. Piff's back too. **** (Time Out).