Philip Escoffey: Six More Impossible Things Before Dinner

‘I am not a psychic,’ declares Philip Escoffey empathically at the start of his show before stating, with a glint in his eye, ‘however I am the most psychic person in the world.’ It’s a lofty claim but one you would be hard pressed to argue with at the end of an hour in his company. To give specifics away would spoil things somewhat for the potential viewer, but suffice to say it’s the same combination of suggestion, body language and sleight of hand all delivered with a wit and earnestness that has worked to such great effect for Derren Brown.

The audience went from being amused to amazed to borderline perturbed at some of the tricks. Of the many hundreds of shows taking place over the next month, some will make you laugh and some cry (and quite often not for the right reasons) but, outside of the children’s shows, you are unlikely to find someone who can create such a palpable sense of wonder in the way that Philip Escoffey does.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 31 Aug (not 18), 6.45pm, £9–£10 (£8–£9).