Kevin Quantum: Dark Matter
★★★★☆ Magical genius
Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14): 4 – 29 August 2022
Review by Gwen M. Dolan
Atmospheric as soon as you enter, the stage in the Teviot Dining Room is starlit in anticipation of the wonders of the magic circle in Kevin Quantum’s latest show, Dark Matter.
Kevin (McMahon) Quantum is one of Scotland’s finest. Trained by the wondrous duo, Penn & Teller, he takes his audience on a journey that intertwines the mysteries of magic with the appliance of science.
Kevin Quantum in Dark Matter at the Gilded Balloon
Dressed more like a scientist (or arguably, a geography teacher) than a magician, Quantum starbursts onto the stage amongst a flurry of spouting sparklers. He temporarily dons a bright blue, feathered head-dress which enthuses his audience so much that he goes back and does it again – encouraging even louder applause as he re-enters the stage. A true showman.
Dark Matter, a nod to Quantum’s science background, is a show that has been blighted by lockdown. It is plain to see he is delighted to be back performing. Quantum holds the audience in his hand like a sorcerer. There is enchantment in his dexterity and trickery but also his emotional and genuine storytelling.
A leaflet is handed to each person before the show starts. Intrigued already! Clever. Without giving any spoilers, it’s a fun trick that includes everyone and it *should* work if you are paying attention to the fast paced instructions. Otherwise, it’s a laugh, at least.
The show involves what some might regard as regular ricks. Guess the card chosen by a random person; candles igniting magically; flowers appearing from nowhere. Yet each one is performed with Quantum’s unique and quirky techniques.
out-of-the ordinary
He does out-of-the ordinary, mind bending illusions too. A large screen above the stage leaves nowhere to hide when demonstrating sensory perception. The wonder of tapping that screen with a magic wand and objects appearing elsewhere on the stage or his chosen helper feeling the exact number of beats he gave.
The whole room is entertained and captivated by this personable and charming master, despite quite a few, self-proclaimed cynics being present.
What makes Kevin unique is that each trick is a story, a journey that he connects with humour, a touch of science and clever misdirection of attention to achieve the magic.
Those who are hard of hearing or have poor vision would be advised to try and get a seat near the front, or at least remember your glasses! Some finer details can easily be missed and it is difficult to decipher his words at times.
A solid family friendly hour of wonder, astonishment and amazement. Here are gasps of surprise and elements of comedy as you watch a Supernova ascend into magical stardom.
Running time : One hour (no interval)
Gilded Balloon Teviot (Debating Hall), 13 Bristo Place, EH8 9AJ (Venue 14)
Thursday 4 – Sunday 29 August 2022
Daily (not 23): 15:30.Advisory age 8+
Tickets and details: Book here.
Kevin Quantum Contacts:
Website: http://quantummagician.com
Twitter: @kevinquantum
Instagram: @kevinquantum
Facebook: @KevinQuantum
ENDS
