Freddie Rutz's show mixes magic, cabaret and friendly banter. He has a silver folding table, slicked-back hair, black shirt and trousers and shining red lapels. The show has a homespun feel, an intimate cabaret which is refreshing for its humility. It begins with a polylingual song Bonjour, Wilkommen. His tenor voice is rich and warm but the song falls undeniably flat; he opts for a dampened delivery which gets the show off to a weak start. The following patter of observation and general chit-chat is rather dull. 'Some Americans truly believe Switzerland is Sweden' about the best line. Still, one cannot help but like Freddie Rutz. He is engaging despite his poor material.

It is when he begins his magic that the show comes to life. Freddie Rutz starts by eating a number of provenly-sharp razor blades, before sucking up a piece of string while gurning beguilingly. He pulls the string back out again, this time with every razor blade knotted onto it. It's not to everyone's taste but it certainly is different. It sets the tone for the show: physically disturbing magic performed by a rather nice guy with a rubber face. From inserting spoons and forks into his nostrils to eating tissues and regurgitating a tissue fountain, it is a little puerile but charmingly done.

And there are some gems among all the bizarre and freakish acts. While monologising on Swiss bank accounts, Freddie Rutz makes a five pound note become a fifty Euro note, and while explaining how this makes the Swiss rich - 'Taxes' - he returns the 50 Euro note to its original denomination. It's a slick trick and a clever piece of writing and satire. Particularly memorable and very funny is his 'Kleenex' trick, not to be spoiled by being described.

SwissOH!vation is a show with heart. While Freddie Rutz needs to tidy up his set and re-write chunks of his corny script, the show has the potential to be hugely entertaining.

Cast Credits: Freddie Rutz – Magician / Cabaret Performer.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited. Website - www.freddierutz.com.

END

(c) Rebecca Gibson 2011

reviewed Sunday 7 August 2011 / Spotlites @ The Merchant's Hall, Edinburgh, UK