Impossible at the Edinburgh Playhouse Review
Impossible
Edinburgh Playhouse
15-19 March 2016
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
Impossible certainly lives up to its name – a fantastic show of magic, illusion, trickery and death defying stunts.
Fresh from the West End on its inaugural UK tour the original cast of Ben Hart, Chris Cox and Jonathan Goodwin are joined by Josephine Lee, Lee Thompson and Magical Bones.
The show follows the history of magic from witchcraft to alchemy, the power of distraction through the revelation of electricity, war time and the enigma code to street magic… this show has it all!
There is so much to tell but it really would spoil the surprise as you will truly be sitting on the edge of your seat.
On arrival the screen displayed magic facts… did you know the face value of a pack of cards (including jokers) adds up to 365, the number of days in a year. Also that Prince Charles is a member of the Magic Circle!
There is drama and great showmanship throughout- the coolness of the theatre, loud atmospheric music and the use of onstage screen builds suspense and allows the show to flow smoothly and slickly between acts.
The stalls are definitely the place to sit, especially if you wish to be chosen to participate in the show assisting one of the magicians. We sat in the circle where you missed some of what was going on while the performers were in the audience… there was a roving camera but children lose interest quickly!
Edinburgh Playhouse provides a spectacular setting for this high octane show, a listed building and former cinema provides comfortable seating and great facilities in The Boards for drinks. Located in Greenside Place at the east end of Princes Street is it a short walk from the train station.
Impossible is a fantastic family show (all be it with plenty of innuendos!) – a very different theatre experience.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £48.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Impossible is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 19 March 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3014.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18–22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA | 0844 871 3014
