one4review | On 04, Sep 2026

To start, this show is clearly designed for a broad family audience, offering plenty of wholesome fun without ever becoming dull for the adults in the room. It is light, energetic and packed with consistently impressive magic tricks and illusions. There is a real sense of playfulness throughout the performance, making it an easy show to recommend for families looking for something entertaining that everyone can enjoy together.

While a few moments didn’t quite land for me or felt slightly disjointed, these were minor issues in what was otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable performance. The trio of accomplished magicians each brings their own personality and style to the stage, creating plenty of variety and ensuring that the hour never feels repetitive. Seeing three different approaches to magic in a single show is one of its biggest strengths.

The performers have clearly developed a good understanding of how to engage a Fringe audience, balancing the magic itself with plenty of energy and audience interaction. There is a lovely sense of fun running through the whole production, and you get the impression that the performers are enjoying themselves almost as much as the audience.

They have become something of a Fringe staple and, having originated here, it is wonderful to see them still thriving amidst the sea of other shows competing for attention. The Fringe can be an unforgiving place for performers, with thousands of productions vying for an audience, so returning year after year is an achievement in itself. It feels particularly fitting that a show born at the Fringe has managed to establish such a lasting presence here.

My personal highlight of the afternoon was the laser illusion featuring all three magicians. It was a fantastic way to showcase their collective skills and provided a suitably spectacular way to end the show on a high note. You really have to see it to appreciate it, because words struggle to do it justice. Think funky, elongated lightsabers combined with great music, lighting effects and three magicians seemingly doing the impossible together.

Another personal favourite was given a special spotlight: the classic sawing-the-assistant-in-half illusion. It may be one of the oldest tricks in the magician’s book, but there is a reason it has endured, and this version is executed masterfully. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with giving a classic illusion the attention it deserves, particularly when it is performed this well.

Overall, One Hour of Insane Magic is easily one of the better magic shows I’ve seen at the Fringe and a must-see if you’re a fan of the genre. The variety provided by three distinct performers is a real bonus, while the combination of impressive illusions, humour and family-friendly entertainment makes this an accessible show for just about everyone.

There are a couple of rough edges that prevent it quite reaching five stars for me, but there is plenty here to enjoy. These three performers have great potential, and given their growing Fringe reputation, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

I’ll certainly be back next year to see what they’ve got up their sleeves.
****
Reviewed by Mike
Various Times
Gilded Balloon Teviot Debating Hall