Midsummer Nights' Magic: Jay Scott Berry and Mark Fisken

The Georgian House

THE Fringe has seen an army of magicians over the past few years. Some good, some not so good; many of them downright awful. But Midsummer Nights’ Magic is different because it’s as beautifully scripted as it is well thought out. The organisers have gone to great pains to pay attention to the fine details. And it pays off.

Add to this the excellent lighting, sumptuous costumes and the setting of the National Trust for Scotland property, and the result is a remarkably enjoyable experience.

Top American magician Jay Scott Berry is a Renaissance man, a real dandy who wouldn’t look out of place in a mystical castle. His dress and demeanour are both stylish and theatrical.

While he offers non-threatening traditional magic with ribbons and ropes aplenty, there is also a stunning effect that involves swirling, spinning coloured lights that dance and vanish at will. Not a stodgy card trick in sight, then.

This is juxtaposed by Edinburgh magician Mark Fisken’s alter ego Kramus Nexifius, a 2500-year-old wizard. Resplendent in silken robes, flowing locks and beard, it’s the sort of thing that could easily take on the essence of pantomime.

But Fisken handles it beautifully, right down to the learned articulation and the tottering walk.

If ever there were a real wizard he would look exactly like the character Fisken creates. And fans of Harry Potter would adore this old chap who, if he put his mind to it, probably really could change base metal into gold.

All this would be show enough, but the New Age soundtrack perfectly matches the relaxing mood of the show. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Scott Berry both composed and orchestrated the album. Is there no end to this man’s talents? It’s fun and it’s relaxing, but no less astonishing for that.

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