The Dreamer
Performed By James Phelan
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, 5:15pm (1hr)
Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-24
Description
It’s time to believe in magic… Award-winning magician James Phelan, infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, returns with this ground-breaking new magic show. Touching on his parents’ 12 year struggle with IVF, The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible. With magic unparalleled elsewhere at Fringe, this show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.
Review
In the rather colourful big top circus tent with fun decoration is where James Phelan, the magician could be found, where he encourages both adults and children alike to dream and use their imagination. What a joy this is.
It feels a rather personal, engaging show on different levels as we get to know a bit of his magic background and a bit more than that about him as well as see tricks.
The show opens with information and photos of him being young and this is repeated at the end, but with sound, which was rather interesting.
The opening magic trick with cards was pretty amazing. No idea how he did it.
He was engaged with the audience pretty well throughout, including a fun icebreaker as it were of cleverly building up the atmosphere, first collectively as a whole audience and then in sections. It got the audience in the mood for something entertaining and magical to happen.
The show went on with funny results as he shown what the magical power of dreams and suggestion could do, especially with a few people selected from the audience, some with more imagination than others.
The elements of psychology he uses in his magic when it comes to adult participation is interesting and makes increases some of the intrigue.
The finale of the big trick at the end, before cutting back to the screen was so beautiful and meaningful, that really touched my heart and would’ve liked more made of the lovely insect. I won’t say what it is because that would be spoiling it.
All in all, The Dreamer is an at times, thought-provoking, touching on the philosophical, entertaining and intriguing magic show for adults and children alike.
“We’re all dreamers” he said. I find that to be so true and he put it perfectly and beautifully.
I had brought a friend along who says he enjoyed the humour in the show as well as the magic. He found some of the storytelling through psychology good fun for families. He especially enjoyed the opening trick and had no idea how he did it with a lottery ticket. He thought the mention of past magicians like David Copperfield was a nice touch and felt it brave to have such a personal feeling show, which at that point, I have to agree.
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 