@ Summerhall, Edinburgh, until Fri 3 Jul 2015
R Paul Wilson, of BBC Three’s The Real Hustle fame, brings an hour long show of close-up sleight of hand magic to this year’s Magic Festival. Branded as one of the world’s foremost experts on con games, he also talks the audience through the art of the con.
Wilson begins by showing us some sleight of hand with silver coins. At first the coins just disappear and appear in his other hand. The audience leans in closer – perhaps, we think, we can spot the mechanics of the trick. He slows the trick down, has the audience’s rapt attention and uses it to full effect, showing us how easy it is to misdirect the viewer and place a coin on the table where previously there was nothing.
It’s a good introduction to the elements of Wilson’s show. He doesn’t rely on anything more than showmanship, some props and a table and chairs. He is genuine, funny and very charismatic, warming the audience up with practised ease.
The show blends magic with tales of how Wilson got into the business and the stories that surround the famous tricks he performs. His skill is clear from the beginning but what makes this show special is his storytelling and his ability to hold the audience in the palm of his hand.
A memorable moment is a trick he learned by closely watching a video from a magic conference. He reveals that this magician was an unknown guy from America who managed to have everyone at the conference scratching their heads. His storytelling style is quiet and measured and he knows exactly when to pause for dramatic effect. He injects just the right amount of excitement. The trick itself is as impressive as he describes, involving just a cup and three ‘breadcrumbs’ which manage to appear and disappear. It’s convincing enough to almost make you believe in magic.
What Wilson does very well is create these intimate moments he sets out in the show’s title. The feeling in the room is that you’re watching something very special; something that is small in form but big on impact. Wilson doesn’t need to rely on big sets or props, the magic of this show is that it is one man telling his story and showing you really damned impressive tricks. It will have you on the edge of your seat at times, straining your eyes to try and catch him in the act. It is a privilege to watch a master at work and Wilson steps into this role with charming modesty.