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WOW! The Amazing Family Magic Show arrives at Fringe World from Europe for the very first time. It brings a playful, interactive style of family magic that’s shaped by years of performing for young audiences.
Presented by Christian Lavey, this is a show built around warmth, silliness, and genuine audience connection.
Christian has an easy, natural rapport with children, chatting to them comfortably, inviting them into the performance, and keeping the tone light and welcoming throughout. Engagement is clearly the heart of the show, and that comes through from the very beginning.
This review is a slightly tricky one, as the conditions of the venue undeniably shaped the experience.
The show is performed in a transformed laneway space, which creates an interesting and intimate atmosphere. However, it was also extremely hot and stuffy, with minimal airflow.
Sightlines were tight, and if adults were seated in front, many younger children struggled to see, leading them to sit or gather in the aisle instead.
On the way out, I overheard several children saying they “didn’t see anything”. One was clearly upset that they had missed the finale. That was difficult to hear, particularly because it did not feel like a reflection of the show itself, but rather the physical limitations of the space.
The show is packed with familiar magical elements, including cards, visual tricks, playful deception, and audience participation. Yet, it never feels tired or overly recycled.
There were several genuinely funny moments that had the entire audience laughing together. These were driven largely by Christian’s talent for playing the fool and pretending he has no idea what is happening around him. That exaggerated confusion is a big hit with kids and works beautifully.
What also stood out was how much the adults were laughing.
There is something especially delightful about watching your child laugh hysterically at a joke where everyone knows exactly what the punchline will be. That shared anticipation, followed by the inevitable reveal, creates a ripple of giggles through the room. Before long the adults are laughing just as hard.
There are multiple moments of crowd engagement, with children invited up to assist. Even when attention wavered due to the heat or movement in the room, Christian gently pulled focus back with humour rather than force.
At its core, WOW! The Amazing Family Magic Show is a joyful family performance led by a magician who clearly knows how to connect with children.
While the venue conditions made the experience less comfortable, the strength of the show still shone through. It remains a fun and engaging option for families at Fringe.