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Best of Perth Close-Up Magic Festival delivered exactly what it promised and then layered it with warmth, humour, and genuine wonder.
Our evening featured Toby Z, Stuart Lightbody, John Madd, and Dana Herz, and from start to finish it felt like a room full of people collectively leaning forward in delight.
It truly was a night of wonder.
As promised, there was plenty of classic close-up magic. There were cards, rings, lucky bands, and familiar everyday objects, yet it never felt predictable. The technical skill on display was matched by strong comedic timing, with genuine laugh-out-loud moments woven throughout the night.
Stuart Lightbody delivered an incredible card routine that left the audience visibly stunned, even when watching from only a few seats away.
Dana Herz completely captivated the room with her mentalist magic, effortlessly pulling dates, words, and thoughts seemingly out of thin air in a way that felt impossible and quietly jaw-dropping.
Toby Z brought a burst of high-energy brilliance with his Rubik’s Cube magic, dazzling in both speed and precision.
John Madd rounded out the lineup beautifully, adding to the variety and pace of the evening with confident, engaging close-up work.
One of the greatest strengths of this show is its commitment to audience participation. Every act involved the crowd,. You could feel the room become more alive, electric, and connected as the night went on.
Importantly, the interaction never felt uncomfortable or forced. Instead, it created a shared experience that made the magic feel immediate and memorable.
Before attending, I did wonder whether close-up magic would only really work for people seated right at the front.
That concern disappeared almost immediately. The performers make a clear effort to bring the magic to different parts of the room. This included repeating moments where needed so everyone can see and be involved. Consequently, it never feels like you have missed out; no small feat in such an intimate setting.
The venue itself is also worth noting.
While the Belgian Beer Cafe is usually a lively and noisy space, the show still feels surprisingly focused and immersive. Once the magic begins, the outside world fades away and attention is drawn firmly to what is happening at the table in front of you.
As Fringe does so well, this show works beautifully as a taster. Each performer has longer standalone Fringe shows, making this an ideal way to discover new favourites. In that sense, the show feels like a gateway experience that encourages audiences to dive deeper into Fringe World.
It is also an excellent choice for a first Fringe outing. The content is accessible, clever, and inclusive, without relying on crudeness or shock value. While it runs in a 9:30pm time slot, it would still be suitable for teenagers, and it is the kind of entertainment that genuinely appeals across generations.
Warm, clever, and consistently impressive, Best of Perth Close-Up Magic Festival is a joyful celebration of close-up magic done well. A fantastic introduction to Fringe, and a reminder of just how powerful magic can be when it happens right under your nose.