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Of all the jobs that would be easier for someone who can read minds, barrister must be right up there. Real life future barrister Tomas McCabe has combined his profession of the near future with his current job as a mentalist in 1 Murder: The Mind Reading Lawyer. Between the numerical name to push himself to the front of the Fringe program, the fun theme, and his adorable parents on hand to enthusiastically flyer for him across the streets of Edinburgh, McCabe appears to be having a very successful Fringe. Historically he’s often had a late night free Fringe spot, garnering a huge audience of largely drunk people, but this year he has maintained that success at a ticketed slot in the late afternoon, selling out his venue even on the weekday of this review.

The murder trial framing is a fun structure on which McCabe hangs his mentalist demonstrations. It is, however, primarily in place for structural purposes. This is a mentalism show and not the place to find an accurate reconstruction of a murder trial—hopefully to no surprise, given the clarity of the marketing material—but McCabe does take the time to ensure his audience knows that his show is not intended as an educational experience. Some in the audience may learn the British word for a trial lawyer, “barrister”, but that is the beginning and end of the informational portion of the show.

McCabe’s mind reading is accurate as ever. One of his recurring favorites is to have his audience write down anonymous confessions that he then reads from the minds of audience volunteers to ensure that the anonymity of the original confessor is maintained. It feels appropriate that, of all the mentalists, it’s a lawyer who has managed to successfully integrate mentalist-participant confidentiality into the fabric of his act without undercutting his ability to show off his mind reading skills.

The audience participants themselves who are chosen are for the most part self-selecting volunteers. If McCabe chooses random participants for some tasks, it’s the ones that are the least time consuming or attention grabbing. One of the cutest moments of the show is when he selects one of his younger fans to preside over the performance as his judge. This youngster gets a special experience and positive attention that will no doubt be a lasting memory.

Toward the end of The Mind Reading Lawyer, McCabe reveals that now that he has completed his education he will shortly be taking his talents to a real life barrister role, in an actual courtroom. McCabe will no doubt prove popular with his clientele for his reassuringly unflappable presence and, of course, mentalist abilities.

More information on 1 Murder: The Mind Reading Lawyer and its performance dates can be found here.