[chronicle] by Matt Brandwood: The Magic Of Mentalism – Adelaide Fringe Review

Parasol Lounge at Gluttony, Thu 8 Mar. [MAGIC/MENTALISM – SA] I have always had a fascination with magic and mentalism, not enough to study it and perform it myself, unlike Matt Brandwood, who tells the story of a passion that was encouraged in him at the age of 14. He is now only 19, but five years on, he has followed his passion and has now been performing at the last four Adelaide Fringe Festivals. Some of what he performs really does leave you wondering ‘how did he do that’? Drawing exactly the same picture that someone was only imagining, or encouraging random audience members to call out numbers that then appear together in the most unlikely of places. The card tricks are helped by the close up camera work and large display screens that bring the audience closer to all the action, however, some sleight of hand in some of his tricks can be seen, well by this particular audience member anyway. The small crowd that were gathered for this early start to the evenings ‘Fringing’ were appreciative of the skill but there were no huge ‘ah-ha’ moments and while there were some funny moments with the audience interaction, Matt’s own interaction and comfort in front of and with an audience does need to develop more, and hopefully further performances will help him with this. While I understand that I couldn’t do what Matt does, I also can’t help but be a little underwhelmed. Perhaps a smaller more intimate venue or a later time slot might help add to the mystery? Matt does manage to [chronicle] his show and a few lucky audience members can prove it! 2.5 stars Charissa McCluskey-Garcia [chronicle] continues at Parasol Lounge at Gluttony from 5.50pm until Sun 18 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe