☆☆☆☆

Probably one of the hardest working performers of the Fringe, David Alnwick tends to pack his days full. This year he has three carefully written shows that he performs every day, plus his roving Secret Magic Show that takes advantage of other performers’ off days leaving the odd free slot in various venues. Not everyone has Alnwick’s work ethic and endless energy! The reviewed show at 10:30AM on a Sunday morning took place in a record shop, and like Alnwick’s shows always are, was very well attended. Alnwick performs a variety of his favorites and the occasional experimental bit.

The magic performed is as perfect as usual for Alnwick—with the hilarious exception of his attempt to demonstrate one of the effects that he invented to sell to other magicians. While this minor imperfection was a nice reminder to the audience that this isn’t TV—when something goes wrong the performer can’t re-shoot until they get it right—it did not have a significant effect on the overall impression that Alnwick is just what he claims, a truly exceptional magician. There is an emphasis on card tricks at the reviewed show, which is fantastic as this is an area where Alnwick particularily excels. He even shows off some fancy shuffles and cardistry, just for fun. A great early moment that sets the tone is a card finding effect that gets many members of the audience involved, with Alnwick successfully recovering the many chosen cards in inventive ways. The audience is also treated to Alnwick’s favorite card trick with the accompanying story. Returning fans may remember this one from prior years’ shows, it’s a strong routine that’s fun to revisit.

A practiced professional, Alnwick treats his audience participants well throughout the show. At the reviewed show he made sure to locate the fellow magician in the audience, and got her involved at the perfect moment. In a small venue there’s nowhere to hide from participation in the magic, but nothing to fear from a performer like Alnwick.

Alnwick’s Secret Magic Show is a slightly more chaotic experience than his fans will be used to, which in this case is a draw. Alnwick navigates the chaos well and it feels like an interesting insight into how his mind works. There’s even the opportunity for greater involvement, he asks the audience if they happen to have cards he could use, giving the truly devoted fan a chance to own a deck shuffled by Alnwick himself and everyone a chance to see a magician perform with a verified standard deck.

The great advantage of Alnwick’s Secret Magic Show is that the timings are so varied, those who want to come will provably be able to find a time that suits. Magic fans, comedy fans, and anyone looking for a random assortment of good times will enjoy Alnwick’s company.