Lewis Barlow on The Seven Wonders of Magic

Source: The List (Issue 664)
Date: 11 August 2010

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This article is from 2010.

Lewis Barlow on The Seven Wonders of Magic

5 crucial pieces of advice to fellow Fringe performers

Virtuoso close-hand magician Lewis Barlow introduces Fringe audiences to the seven basic elements of magic in his exciting new show. Here he offers five crucial pieces of advice to his fellow performers

1: The quality of your performance is more important than your marketing strategy. The Fringe grapevine is particularly lush, and word will quickly spread if your show is worth watching. Having said this, targeted flyering also genuinely works!

2: If your show uses audience participation, treat your volunteers with respect and good humour. They have paid to see your show and have become part of it, so the very least they deserve is not to be humiliated on stage.

3: Never underestimate the importance of a good sound and lighting assistant. Nobody else has the power that a tech does to make, or even break, your show. A complimentary beer or two is never a bad idea, just not before the show!

4: Set aside time each day to reflect and perfect your show. Be brave about trying new ideas and ruthless about pruning ones that you’re not comfortable with. It’s also important to rehearse your show build-up and pull-down, rather than risk getting penalised by your venue for overrunning.

5: Practice, rehearse, practice, rehearse, practice, rehearse … especially if you are planning to teleport an object into an audience member’s hands in a flash of fire …

The Seven Wonders of Magic, C aquila, 0845 260 1234, until 30 Aug, 6.15pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50).

This article is from 2010.

More: Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals, Fringe, lewis barlow, Magic, Previews, The Seven Wonders of Magic