Kevin Quantum: Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers
Returning to his customary venue of the last few Fringe seasons, the Assembly Rooms on George Street, but in a different space, under the vast chandelier of the Ballroom the hall is long rather than wide but with a lower stage allowing Kevin Quantum easy access to his sold-out audience rather than elevated above them, running up the steps to alternate between personal interactions and larger illusions.
His centrepiece this year, dominating the stage is the apparatus of which he is obviously and justifiably proud, possibly making its Fringe debut despite having been invented well over a century before, a Tesla coil which will towards the end of the show spark a demonstration of the power of electricity to illuminate and amaze as would be expected of the former scientist turned magician.
Titled Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers, the crowd handed cards to hold aloft to indicate their allegiance to the unseen or their steadfast scepticism, energy would be a theme even if the manic host were not breathlessly dashing around, pulling objects from vacuum, invisibly transmitting electricity or frying eggs without an apparent source of heat as he makes a “six impossible things breakfast” which rivals Morecombe and Wise’s iconic routine.
The presentation impeccable even in his smaller tricks, presenting gift-wrapped cinders, the global economy may not be buoyant but Quantum is still able to make money float before playing word salad with the contents of a suspended Perspex box, a feat of either mentalism or clairvoyance but impressive either way, Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers another delight whether it is analysed or simply enjoyed.
