5 Stars *****

Now I am not usually a ‘magic fan’ by any stretch of the imagination, but having seen Ali Cook’s 2010 show and been totally blown away I decided another excursion was in order.

Again I managed to get a front row seat so to be as close as possible to see what was happening. And once again I am none the wiser. Cook is a magician, illusionist, a comedian, a mind reader with all the tricks of the trade that are required for these skills and he has them in abundance.

I always thought that I could trust what I saw, but now I doubt myself. He made things happen that just didn’t. At times some of the close up stuff even had an overhead camera up close and personal and I still didn’t have a clue how he managed it.

There is plenty of audience participation throughout, and numerous laughs as well,  well as being in awe of this uber talented artiste.

So what is Cook’s best trick? Well, from a total sceptic, Cook as turned me into a magic fan, at least when he is the performer.

Try to get a ticket if you can it will be worth it and leave it too late they will all have vanished…. as if by magic.

Reviewed by Geoff

Gilded Balloon Dining Roon V 14

3 to 29 August ( not 17)

21:30 to 22:30

Fringe Brochure P 36