The Illusionary Magic of Sitruc James is a fun venture into sleight-of-hand magic, presented by the Victoria Fringe Festival. This light-hearted show boasts a wide variety of tricks: some we’ve probably seen before, others that seem completely inexplicable.
Sitruc James, a comedian with a wry wit, has been practicing magic for over 30 years, since he was a child. The show is presented as a sort of slapstick sideshow that makes frequent use of audience volunteers to keep the fun flowing. The tricks themselves range from tongue-in-cheek self-aware gaffs with simple props to the elaborate finale, which I have decided was impossible without bending the very fabric of space-time, and, accordingly, James is a real-life Dr. Strange.
Some of the tricks were obviously clever prop work and sleight of hand, but James’ charismatic presentation and polished movements made them a joy to behold nonetheless. Others, I spent the entire rest of the performance wondering how they were done.
Reviewing this sort of event is not a difficult task: if you’re into a fun romp of party magic, then bring your children, and James may even give them the chance to be an honorary assistant onstage. Regarding the demystification of these magic techniques, I advise that even if you have the opportunity to learn how those really mind-boggling tricks are done, do yourself a favour and leave it as a mystery. Much like pulling back the curtain and revealing the squat, elderly Wizard of Oz, sometimes, the fun is in simply being fooled, and enjoying it.
Victoria Fringe Festival
Until Sunday, September 1
Various times, dates, and venues
intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/fringe-festival