Kevin Quantum – Edinburgh Magic
A city long associated with magic in many forms, Edinburgh is the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who became obsessed with spiritualism following the death of his son, the resting place of the magician Sigmund Neuberger who, performing under his stage name The Great Lafayette, died in a fire at the Festival Theatre in May 1911, and of course the origin of Harry Potter whose earliest stories were written in the city and set in locations inspired by the architecture.
These people and events are recalled and celebrated by Scotland’s current premiere magician, Kevin Quantum, in Edinburgh Magic, taking place not in a venue of several hundred as with his regularly sold-out showcases which take place during the Fringe but in the elegant Versailles Suite of the Waldorf Astoria at the West End of Prince Street, formerly the Caledonian Hotel, with only thirty seats available for each performance.
The walls hand-painted to recreate views of the statues, fountains and leafy avenues of the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, with a single table and no stage the setting is devoid of elaborate props to create illusions or distract the eye so it does not see the truth, no false bottoms from which to materialise rabbits, only the swiftly moving hands of the host which bamboozle even with no distance separating performer and audience.
From phoenix flowers, born of flame, to a handful of playing cards which obey his commands, appearing as directed in places anticipated yet logically impossible, Quantum’s tools are as in thrall to him as the audience, any explanation for how he manipulates the objects as opaque as porcelain cups or the cards themselves – cards which at one point transform to a block of glass as if flaunting their defiance and bank notes presumably tied to inflation as they rise, indifferent to such trivialities as gravity.
The history of Edinburgh encompassing plagues, unmarked graves, body snatchers, royal visits and even on one occasion serving as a retreat for Captain America, it is perhaps fortunate that Quantum is discerning in which aspects to approach and homage in Edinburgh Magic, but as befits the Festival City there is audience participation, though always politely invited rather than coaxed or cajoled.
By his own admission, fifteen years Kevin Quantum was at a crossroads in his life and faking it; now, a master of his craft who continues to push himself, he dazzles and delights audiences worldwide with skills which remain baffling and inexplicable even when the outcome is expected, his return to his home city in so intimate a venue perhaps a reduction in scope but focusing the experience rather than diminishing it for those fortunate enough to secure a seat.
Edinburgh Magic runs at the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian until Saturday 8th July
