Pete Firman: FlimFlam

The problem with stage magic is that once you've seen one trick you've seen them all. Raised on a diet of large-scale showmen like David Copperfield, Criss Angel and sullen 'bad-boy' David Blaine, it's not easy to impress an audience with sleight of hand. We know you can fool us. We understand. It's not that cool anymore.

What is impressive is taking the tired format and revitalizing it into one of the best comedy shows you'll see this Fringe. From his brilliant entrance to his hilarious exit, Firman's exasperated stage persona masks a level of audience control which is truly exceptional. His vulnerability makes you like him. You lean forward in your seat and really get involved. You want him to do well. He does.

His facial nuances are the mark of a comedy virtuoso. Some of his tricks are just nasty, and the real question isn't, “How did you do that?” but “Why?” Often the 'failure' of his magic provides the fodder for his comedy – but just as you dismiss him as a strong stand-up with a gimmick, he pulls something out of the hat (so to speak) that really blows you away.

You won't see the Statue Of Liberty disappear, but you will fall in love with the crazy little man on stage. Everyone in Firman's packed room leaves grinning from ear to ear.