☆☆☆☆

There are many ways to surprise a magic fan at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in Ungentlemanly Conduct Lewis Fuller found a new one: the unexpected singalong. The show is a patchwork of live magic and stunts, largely pre-filmed storytelling, and, of course, not just one but several opportunities for the audience to join Fuller in singing popular songs. It’s not the show any member of the audience would expect, even after studying the flyer, but if they’re willing to go along for the crazy ride they’re in for a treat of an hour.

Ungentlemanly Conduct is categorized as a magic show, and in amongst the many other features Fuller does in fact perform several magic tricks and feats, themed to accompany the story that he tells himself and via video. A fun themed effect sees Fuller perform a classic card trick, using credit and debit cards rather than playing cards. The participant involved has no need to sign or otherwise mark their card to personalize it for this effect. Fuller’s flattering, energetic stage presence makes the participants feel comfortable on stage through effects that pose threat to their money and their bodies, a true testament to his personable nature as a performer.

The plot line that weaves the show together combines a fairly standard story of a young magician dreaming of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe with an altogether weirder tale, loosely inspired by a recent Netflix show but with plot elements and twists that make it a fun new experience. Fuller seamlessly weaves the pre-filmed segments of the show with his onstage storytelling, stunts, and tricks. Over the course of the show the plot lines come together to provide this framework for his effects.

No performance is flawless, and at the reviewed show Fuller had to deal with the biggest wild card in a magic show, the overenthusiastic audience member. Fuller successfully managed and contained his enthusiasm by involving him in an effect, giving him the portion of the spotlight that he clearly craved without allowing him to overtake Fuller’s own performance.

Ungentlemanly Conduct is about as far from a traditional magic show as is readily available, which makes it a welcome entry in the fringe magic lineup. The sheer variety of performance genres involved may make it a little more difficult for Fuller to acquire a target audience that will truly appreciate him, but for that audience he’ll be exactly what they didn’t realize they were searching for. 

More information about Ungentlemanly Conduct and its performances can be found here.