★★★
Ava Beaux has brought a myriad of magic shows to the festival in recent years, yet by the end of her latest show she makes an interesting comment. For years, she says, she has felt compelled to make shows that other magicians tell her will work, or that venues say will be popular. Ava and Beaux: Tales of Magic meanwhile is made by her, for her. It is a different, far more personal venture, and by her own admission it is a bit rough around the edges. But Tales of Magic offers so much promise, with the potential to grow into something really quite special.
Tales of Magic features some slick trickery, including with interjecting rings and a long roll of paper that spools from Ava’s mouth like a particularly glamorous tapeworm. Throughout the show, Ava plays two key characters; herself, and Beaux, who is quieter and more mischievous but ultimately well-meaning. It is as the latter character that she conducts most of her tricks, Beaux’s relative silence adding to the intrigue and suspense. And while nothing is likely to leave your jaw hanging on the floor, you will be surfing a pleasant wave of amazement and appreciation for most of the hour.
Amidst all the magic, Ava tells little stories about consequences featuring a myriad of characters. These small tales sometimes seem to lack focus, but the mystique and intent are plain to see. Ava is as much a storyteller as she is a magician, and it is through including these short vignettes that her personality is allowed to shine through. This honesty and openness goes down well with the crowd, who never feel alienated or left behind by the show’s evident ambition and are perfectly happy to be along for the ride.
Ava clearly pours her heart and soul into a performance that feels more uniquely her than perhaps anything she has brought to the festival before. It is precisely because it is so personal that, given time to grow and develop, Tales of Magic could emerge as a magical experience to savour.
Ava and Beaux: Tales of Magic is performed at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms – Speakeasy at 3:25pm until 25 August as part of Edinburgh Fringe 2024.
Words by James Hanton
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