☆☆☆

It’s rare and welcome that a magician comes to the Fringe with a show concept that feels so completely different that it almost calls for a new genre category to be added to the Edfringe website. For this accomplishment alone, Callum McClure’s Won’t Get Fooled Again’s combination of magic and computer programming is worth a watch. While magic is a common category at the Fringe, computer programming demonstrated as a performance art is rare, perhaps even unique. This was under appreciated on the rainy weekend that it was reviewed, the weather may have deterred Fringe audiences from venturing out for an unticketed show. McClure’s warm presence made the excursion worthwhile for those who made it in to his audience.

McClure blends magic and technology for all of his effects, even when he looks to the past for a brief interlude to give his computer a break. The bones of the effects he performs will be familiar to those who have seen a magic show before, but the inclusion of technology makes many of them feel new. McClure’s opening routine using a virtual assistant is the perfect way to set the scene, encouraging the audience to interact with his program the same way they would interact with a human performer.

Like all the best magicians, McClure makes participation in his show easy. Those required for an easy task might be chosen at random, but participation that requires a bit more involvement is on a voluntary basis. McClure has no problem getting volunteers at the reviewed show, those dedicated enough to brave the rain to see him were evidently enthusiastic.

In between the magic and computers, McClure makes the beginnings of a point about the use of technology, both the benefits it brings and what it takes away from society overall. This point feels like it could be developed further, McClure’s show and evident professional background give him an unusually strong foundation from which to comment on this.

The blend is not yet flawless, while the magic went to plan at the reviewed show, the computer programming had the occasional glitch. It is maybe even more impressive that a show that felt at times like a work in progress also felt like an incredibly worthwhile performance to see. McClure’s Won’t Get Fooled Again is only at the Edinburgh Fringe for a brief run this year, but hopefully he will have the chance to develop it and continue to perform it. It’s certainly an unusual entry into this Fringe’s roster.