The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle
★★★★☆ Slick
Lauriston Castle (Venue 436): Fri 7 – Sun 23 Aug 2026
Review by Rebecca Mahar.
Lauriston Castle opens its doors to Fringe-goers in partnership with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival for The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle, an immersive magic experience featuring three expert illusionists.
Rather than a sit-down show, this promenade production begins outside the front door, with Tracy, Steward of the castle, giving a brief history of the building, its owners, and its connections to magic and wizardry. These go all the way back to the castle’s original owner and builder of its tower house, Archibald Napier, seventh Laird of Merchiston, who successfully predicted the date that Mary, Queen of Scots, would escape Lochleven Castle.
Drew McAdam in the drawing room. Pic: Edinburgh Magic Fest.
After this historical introduction the show proceeds indoors, where the group divides into two, depending on which colour playing card you were handed upon having your ticket scanned. The two groups proceed through the show simultaneously, but visit each of the three magicians in a different order— so the order of your experience will depend on the luck of the draw.
quick wit
First up for Æ is Drew McAdam in the drawing room, self-described mentalist, whose skill is not in card tricks and sleight of hand, but in “reading, predicting, and influencing” the thoughts of others. McAdam’s quick wit is as impressive as his feats of sussing out which random word from a book audience members have selected, or making a teaspoon melt with his mind alone.
There’s a great deal of audience participation in this bit, but McAdam starts out by making things clear that when you’re onstage with him: “I’ll not embarrass you, I’ll not humiliate you, when you’re up here you’re my guest and you’ll be treated as such.” A welcome reassurance for those nervous about getting involved, or who’ve had less courteous experiences before.
Lewis Barlow in the Library. Pic Edinburgh Magic Festival.
Next up is Lewis Barlow in the library, with a slate of card and coin tricks that, while fairly predictable in the sequence which they build, are executed flawlessly. Seated at a small card table for most of the act, Barlow draws his audience in with intimate energy and personal patter, as if this is a conversation that just happened to turn into a magic show.
rapid-fire
Finally to the study where Kevin Quantum has more card tricks and sleight of hand. Quantum and Barlow manage not to overlap in their repertoire, and after a snappy series of card feats, Quantum moves on to coins. This section, just as rapid-fire, is slightly less slick to the keen observer, but entertaining nevertheless, and Quantum’s use of audience participation is clever throughout.
Each of the magicians weaves in references to the history of Lauriston Castle throughout, with some secret features being revealed, as well as gentle barbs at each other. All told, it’s a highly entertaining experience sprinkled with education, and in this centennial anniversary year of Lauriston Castle being bequeathed to the nation, well worth making a trip out to see it.
Running time: One hour and 15 minutes (no interval).
Lauriston Castle (Various Rooms), 2a Cramond Rd South EH4 6AD (Venue 436).
Friday 7 – Sunday 23 August 2026.
Thu – Sun only (not 9, 15): 1.30pm & 3.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Edinburgh Magic Festival website: magicfest.co.uk
Facebook: @edmagicfest
Instagram: @edmagicfest
Kevin Quantum in The Study. Pic: Edinburgh Magic Festival.
ENDS
