Dare to believe in magic? Keen to experience the astonishing and the impossible skill of The Man Who Was Magic?
Guest reviewer Helen Cox visits to find out whether this show really is the ‘powerhouse performance’ lauded by EdFest Mag.
James Phelan, the acclaimed magician, brought his show The Man Who Was Magic to the West End last night as part of his UK tour.
The ‘number one 5* magic show’ returns in a dazzling new production, and what a brilliant evening he has put together!
It’s nothing like your average stream of tricks, but more like mind-reading and hypnotism. You’ll be talking about it for days.
I honestly couldn’t figure out how he did any of the routines. The stage set is not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be.
For Phelan’s magic act, audience participation is key. He asks individuals to join him on stage, and uses people throughout the show.
A very funny and likeable performer, Phelan quickly puts those who volunteer at ease with his friendly wit. His uncle, Paul Daniels, popularised this style but Phelan has the modern touch.
For those further away from the stage, there is a cameraman who zooms in on certain parts of the tricks throughout The Man Who Was Magic, allowing everyone a closer look.
This show is a fantastic night out. Two hours of fast-paced, polished entertainment from a talented performer with magic in every pore.
If you want to be amazed from start to finish by one of the best, go and see James Phelan in The Man Who Was Magic. We liked it a lot.
The Man Who Was Magic continues its tour into 2026, currently finishing at Cambridge Junction in March. Details and tickets here.
5 stars.
Read our 2024 interview with James Phelan here.