Pete Firman doesn't appear - he's hidden by a red velvet cloth. From behind it he explains that the first trick is to do with mind reading. This involves a sealed envelop taped to the bottom of someone's seat, and a prediction about fruit that causes an immediate laugh when Pete Firman is revealed wearing an unexpected costume.

He hasn't yet got everyone's total commitment to laughter and works the audience until they are all forced to laugh at some part of his performance. He exudes confidence in his own comedy material and his skill as a magician. It's justified - throughout the show the jokes come thick and fast, and the magic is classic, competent and comedic. At times he almost bludgeons members of the audience into taking part, and works hard until he gets a laugh.

A nail-in-the-face trick provokes disgust, intrigue and laughs. A card trick is performed using something much more alive and wriggly. He persuades people to part with their wedding rings, stuff toilet paper into their mouths and predict facial hair - all to comical and magical effect.

Some things are just silly but very funny. Is the hand quicker than the eye, or is it quicker than something else? How does a giraffe get a longer neck? Why is Hitler appearing?

There's the feel of a fairground barker as he forces the laughter. His very in-your-face approach works well and the excellent magic is a bonus. The whole thing is a whirlwind of traditional magic tricks presented in an original way. Pete Firman's hands are quicker than people's eyes, and his tongue and comedy timing set on high.

Cast Credits: Performer - Pete Firman

Company Credits: Writer / Director - Pete Firman. Technical Operator – Venue Staff. Company – Underbelly Productions by arrangement with Objective Talent Management.

END

(c) Peter Andrews 2008

reviewed Wednesday 6 Aug 08 / Underbelly, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com