Ben Hart: HeX
Assembly George Square, Palais du Variete
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 8 August 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
He really will make you believe in magic!
Inspired by Witchcraft and the occult, Ben Hart's show for his 10th Edinburgh Fringe outing HeX is a spooky magical spectacle that brings together ten of his favourite spells from the past 10 years of performing at the festival.
Yes, he calls them spells not tricks! And the dark, supernatural theme that runs throughout his show is what sets Ben apart from other magicians. From tales about witches of old, to spirits and even the ouija board, there's a decidedly witchy atmosphere to HeX.
Before the show begins the audience are asked to participate by placing a piece of paper in a glass. The resultant trick is completely jaw-dropping: He really will make you believe in magic. The audience are so close to him and yet what happens happens in front of our eyes. He's a witch!
Over the next hour or so, astonishing spell after astonishing spell is cast much to the delight of the fascinated audience. Hart's sleight of hand is incredible and his rapport with the audience is a joy to behold. Ben chats away to the crowd and entertains with plenty of genuinely funny jokes and warm good vibes alongside his impressive magic. Audience participation for this show is high, but Ben makes everyone feel comfortable and, as a result, much of the crowd seem actively keen to be involved.
Set in the gorgeous Palais du Variete in Assembly George Square Gardens, the venue is a stunning but risky one for any magician. Surrounded on all sides by an almost 'in the round' audience, and in a space entirely ringed with mirrors, there really is nowhere for Ben to hide. I have huge respect for him for choosing this venue. The usual dark corners and hidden angles that magicians rely on simply do not exist. Kudos!
As the rain battered down on the tented venue the already heady atmosphere was heightened by magnificent and unexpected lighting design and inventive props that utilise the whole space (watch out for the sand trick!) This is easily the most aesthetically pleasing magic show I've seen and it's clear that much thought has gone into creating a striking production design worthy of Ben's talent.
Ben Hart is a member of The Inner Magic Circle (the highest position at The Magic Circle) and it's clear to see why. He has an extraordinary talent as well as the charisma and showmanship needed to seduce an audience. With 'HeX' Hart has created a fast paced, thoroughly entertaining and uniquely spooky magic show that showcases the best of his repertoire. Ideal if you're looking for something a little different and a lot mind-blowing this Edinburgh Festival season.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“When I knew I would be back for my 10th Edinburgh I decided that the time was right to pick my favourite mysteries from all of these years and to wrap them up into the best possible show I can deliver. HeX features my usual wicked storytelling, comedy and mind-warping magic set against the backdrop of the Palais Du Varieté Spiegeltent (the coolest venue at the Fringe!). If you’ve never seen magic live before, I urge you to give it a try - there is no more powerful theatre to me than hearing an audience gasp with amazement.” Ben Hart
Ben Hart: Hex plays at Assembly George Square, Palais du Variete until 25 August.
Ben Hart: HeX - Edinburgh dates
Show Title: Ben Hart: HEX
Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens, Palais du Varieté
Time: 16:20
Dates: 01-25 Aug
Tickets: from £15.00
Bookings: www.assemblyfestival.com or 0131 623 3030
⌚ Running time: 60 minutes
⚠️ Age Recommendation | 12+
Ben Hart: HeX review, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Assembly.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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