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Kane & Abel’s Twin Feats has been a constant of the Edinburgh Fringe magic scene for, as is revealed in this year’s show, ten years. They have evidently built up a solid fanbase and reputation, with a strong crowd at the reviewed show on a midweek afternoon. While the theme remains constant, they do switch up the routines and effects, and this year’s is an especially strong lineup.

Of the magic performed, one of the clear highlights is their finale piece. It would be a shame to spoil it, but it’s a really fun take on a classic, with Kane & Abel leaning in to their stage characters while also delivering a truly impressive illusion, taking full advantage of having two performers in the act to perform something that wouldn’t even be feasible for their many solo colleagues. There are plenty of other great moments leading up to that, particularly the card magic. Kane & Abel perform an interesting twin-themed card routine. This is followed by card demonstrations that may not be card tricks in the traditional sense but feel more drawn from magic’s circus heritage, using cards to display both strength and balance in novel ways.

Audience participation is fairly frequent, without asking the participants to do any tasks that they would not expect to undertake at a magic show. Kane & Abel are both kind and welcoming when the audience joins in on their act. A participatory highlight is a mathematical and mind reading effect involving several audience members from their seats. The selection and involvement of the participants is unusual and fun, just the right amount of over-the-top to be both funny and respectful.

Twin Feats is a very strong show from two very experienced Fringe performers. It’s unusual, impressive, and of course magical. Kane & Abel did a fantastic job this year, this one is not to be missed for both their long term and new fans.

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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.

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Kane & Abel didn’t have to look too hard to find each other as their magic partners, they were lucky enough each have to have been born with the ideal magician with whom to share the stage. Twinpossible puts their sweet sibling relationship at center stage. They didn’t look far for their premise either, going for the theme of “twins” to loosely tie their tricks together. While the theme may be weak, more importantly their relationship and magical skills are strong.

The tricks that they perform are largely takes on the classics—for example a rope sequence with an extra long rope, or a card finding trick with an extra spectacular reveal. Each one is adjusted to fit their style, but even more cleverly, they take great advantage of having the both of them onstage. They don’t just play off each others’ energy, they have created versions of effects that could not be performed with just one magician. This helps set them apart as a bit more than just twins together onstage, it gives a bit of a bite to their act—although there are also moments where each performer is able to shine as an individual.

While many magicians developed their tricks over the lockdown, Kane & Abel seem to have more noticeably improved their storytelling. The magic is great too, but what jumps out this year is how well their effects are integrated into the little stories that they tell. It’s an interesting, welcome development, and definitely piques interest in continuing to follow their careers. Twinpossible is a fun lunchtime interlude at the Voodoo Rooms—in the lovely ballroom, the prime PBH venue. Even on weekdays the timing is great for both tourists and nearby office workers, and they will surely all enjoy watching Kane and Abel. 

More information on Kane & Abel and their performance dates can be found here.