☆☆☆

Despite the classic Edinburgh Fringe rainy weather on the reviewed date of Twinpossible, Kane and Abel managed to pull a large crowd at their Voodoo Rooms venue. They present varied takes on their favorite theme each Fringe. As twins and a double act, the jokes and patterns are right there, and they seize each and every one of them.

Kane and Abel are great entertainers, but on occasion fumbled some of their classic magic effects. They opened with a side-by-side card trick using the same participant that went off without a hitch but were slightly clumsy in their performance of the in-between magic to fill the set-up time. This set the tone for the show -they’re not perfect but there’s usually at least one good reveal. 

Both twins are friendly with the audience, acknowledging that participating in their show is a little bit stressful but making their participants feel welcome. They make a point to indicate the “final participant” so everyone knows when they can relax and stop avoiding eye contact with them. Kane and Abel are kind to the crowd. At the end of a classic trick involving an egg they hand the remains to a random individual as a gift. Body builders looking for some crunchy protein may want to keep an eye out for this moment. They are also not above a thirst trap—magic fans who are so inclined can look forward to at least one of them removing their trousers during the course of the show. Twinpossible truly contains something for everyone. 

There’s a subset of magic shows that are especially predictable. The audience knows they’ll be amazed and witness impossibilities, but they know exactly what those will be—the card will be found and the rings will join together. Kane and Abel lean in this experience with their twin theme, they make all the references to twin relationships and idiosyncrasies that the audience would expect. It’s a safe, comfortable way to experience magic. There’s plenty to challenge as well as amaze at the Fringe, but maybe sometimes on a rainy Sunday afternoon safety and comfort is exactly what Edinburgh audiences want.