A Magical Experience for Young Audiences at the Fringe
If you’re searching for a good show for young kids at Fringe, look no further than Mojo and Jimmy: Comedy Magic Spectacular, which has made a strong start at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. This enchanting performance, held at Assembly George Square Studios, is brimming with laughter, surprises, and tricks that delight both the young and the young at heart.
From the moment you walk through the door, the magic begins. Jimmy, one half of the dynamic duo, effortlessly engages the audience, inviting children onto the stage to meet the infamous banana tree even before the show officially starts. The tone is set for an interactive experience that is as much about participation as it is about the magic itself.
The show kicks off with Jimmy solo, who quickly pulls a ‘young’ volunteer (an unsuspecting adult) onto the stage, creating a running gag that pops up throughout the performance. This clever mix of comedy and magic ensures that there’s never a dull moment, keeping the audience—both young and old—on their toes.
A Mixed Bag of Tricks and Laughter
Mojo and Jimmy: Comedy Magic Spectacular offers a diverse range of entertainment, blending good showmanship with excellent magical technique. The duo takes the audience on a whirlwind adventure through a forest of tricks and illusions, where nothing is as it seems. Audience participation is key to the success of the show, and the crowd was more than willing to play along. However, as anyone who has worked with children knows, there are always a few surprises—like when Jimmy asked a young child on stage what their favorite thing about their mum was, only to be met with a long silence. Thankfully, Jimmy’s expertise in working with children allowed him to handle these moments with ease, bringing the show back on track seamlessly.
With two young ones in tow, I witnessed firsthand the joy that this show brings to its younger audience. Jack, my five-year-old, was among the first to be invited on stage and enthusiastically interacted with the ever-quirky Jimmy, who at one point, was dressed as a tomato. The show’s momentum built quickly as Mojo and Jimmy found their rhythm, drawing everyone deeper into the magical world they created.
Magic for All Ages
As the show progressed, the tricks became more complex, and it was fascinating to see how different age groups responded. While younger children like Jack were completely enthralled by the spectacle, older children like Kat, who is eight, began to piece together some of the illusions. Yet, even Kat—who had earlier proudly proclaimed that she knew how one trick was done—was left baffled by some of the more intricate tricks. Her curiosity only grew as she was invited on stage to hold a magic box from which numerous large items were pulled out, each time leaving her peeking inside to catch a glimpse of how it was done.
The simplicity of the stage design and lighting worked in favor of the performance, creating an atmosphere filled with mystery and intrigue. The duo’s confident stage presence was key in maintaining the audience’s attention and drawing them into the world of illusion. From games like “find the bananas” (which is harder than it sounds, given the magicians’ talents) to objects disappearing and transforming before our eyes, the show was a non-stop rollercoaster of fun.
A Grand Finale That Leaves You Spellbound
The show’s grand finale was nothing short of spectacular, leaving a lasting impression on both the children and the adults in the audience. The room was filled with quizzical faces, as one final trick left everyone in awe—proof that even the keenest observers couldn’t unravel all of Mojo and Jimmy’s secrets.
In conclusion, Mojo and Jimmy: Comedy Magic Spectacular is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a good show for young kids at Fringe. The captivating atmosphere, engaging storyline, and multitude of tricks make it an enjoyable experience for all ages, but especially for younger audiences. Whether your child is a curious five-year-old or a savvy eight-year-old, this show offers something for everyone, ensuring that all leave with a sense of wonder and amazement.
We were gifted tickets for the purpose of this review – but all thoughts and opinions are our own. You can get tickets here and it runs until 25th August 2024. If you’re visiting the Fringe for the first time, do check out some tips here for navigating it all with kids!
