Theatre review: The Collection of Professor Novak, The Outhouse Bar, Edinburgh

A presentation of cursed objects and hokey tales by a Victorian psychic investigator, the fact that the two (count 'em!) magic tricks in this show proved successful was something of a relief.
"Psykik investikigator" Paul Temple may have predicted a warmer reaction."Psykik investikigator" Paul Temple may have predicted a warmer reaction.
"Psykik investikigator" Paul Temple may have predicted a warmer reaction.

The Collection of Professor Novak, The Outhouse Bar, Edinburgh *

The fact that they - and a couple of stage effects - provoke nothing more than a shrug is due to the remarkable lack of showmanship of the titular Prof (Paul Temple). A stunningly soporific storyteller and a hesitant stage presence prone to mangle his own script, Temple introduces himself as a "psykik investikigator". Tellingly, the most startling moment comes when a stage light comes adrift but that's down to overstretched techies rather than stagecraft.

Until 25 August

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