The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 is just around the corner, and as always, it’s going to be magical—literally. The Fringe is the world’s biggest arts festival, taking over the city every August with thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, music, and of course... magic.
If you're looking for the best magic shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, you're in the right place. From grand illusions to comedy hypnosis, sleight-of-hand to surreal variety, this year’s lineup is packed with unmissable magic acts. Here's my personal (and slightly biased) list of top recommendations:
1. 1 Hour Of Insane Magic
30 JUL - 24 AUG - 17:45
Gilded Balloon Appleton tower (orchard)
I’ll be honest – I’m in this one. But trust me, it’s earned its name. After two sold-out runs and a smash-hit tour to Adelaide Fringe, 1 Hour Of Insane Magic is back with a brand-new show in Gilded Balloon’s biggest venue. We're talking mind-blowing illusions, audience favourites, and three top magicians (myself, Elliot Bibby, and Luke Osey) bringing the magic heat. Tickets are already disappearing – so don’t wait!
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2. 1 Hour Of Insanity
30 JUL - 25 AUG - 16:30
Gilded Balloon patter house (Other Yin)
From the creators of Insane Magic (yes, that's us again), this new variety spectacular goes beyond magic – blending comedy, circus, illusions, and high-energy chaos into one wild hour. It’s family-friendly, unpredictable, and a perfect pick for Fringe-goers looking for something bold and different.
Keywords: 1 Hour Of Insanity Fringe 2025, family-friendly Fringe shows, magic and circus Edinburgh Fringe
3. Luke Osey: The Magic Hangover
30 JUL - 24 AUG - 21:00
Gilded Balloon patter House (the Penny)
Luke Osey (my partner-in-magic) takes centre stage with his hilarious solo show where he tries to piece together a very messy night out using comedy, magic, and mind-reading. If you like immersive storytelling and mentalism, this is your jam.
Keywords: Luke Osey Edinburgh Fringe 2025, comedy magic show, The Magic Hangover Fringe
4. Tom Bolton: Magic Man
18 - 24 AUG - 19:00
Gilded Balloon appleton tower (macintosh)
Tom Bolton is a magician I’ve collaborated with many times, and his show is a warm, theatrical journey into childhood wonder. With illusions, Rubik’s Cubes, and even levitation, Magic Man is perfect for families or nostalgic grown-ups.
Keywords: Tom Bolton Magic Man, family magic show Fringe 2025, theatrical magic Edinburgh
5. Hypnosis: LIVE and Direct
2-24 Aug (not mon) - 20:45
Liquid Rooms (Warehouse) Pbh’s Free Fringe
Another one of mine – but this time, late-night comedy hypnosis. It's free, unticketed, and a total blast. Watch brave volunteers do things they’ll probably regret (but love) in a show that's funny, fast, and surprisingly wholesome.
Keywords: comedy hypnosis Edinburgh Fringe, free Fringe shows 2025, Cameron Gibson hypnosis
6. Dave Reubens – The Magic Game
2 - 24 Aug - 15:45
Liquid Rooms (warehouse) Pbh’s Free Fringe
A Fringe favourite and good friend, Dave Reubens brings a competitive twist to magic. This high-energy, interactive game show pits audience teams against each other in challenges, tricks, and plenty of laughs. No two shows are ever the same.
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7. Abracadabra, B*tch! – Reuben Moreland
30 Jul - 24 Aug - 17:50
Pleasance Dome (10 Dome)
Straight from New York and fresh off Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Reuben Moreland blends razor-sharp comedy with brilliant close-up magic and a wild story of revenge. It’s edgy, smart, and seriously entertaining – one of my favourites from Adelaide Fringe.
Keywords: Reuben Moreland magician, Abracadabra B*tch Fringe 2025, NYC magician Edinburgh Fringe
8. Dan Bastianelli: Identity
1 -9 Aug - 18:25
theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall (Theatre 1)
Dan Bastianelli, an Edinburgh local and rising star, brings a beautifully personal magic experience. With intimate storytelling and expert sleight-of-hand, Identity is perfect for those who like their magic thoughtful, emotional, and powerful.
Keywords: Dan Bastianelli Identity Fringe 2025, storytelling magic show, intimate magic Edinburgh
9. The Remarkable Ben Hart
30 jul - 24 aug - 18:25
Assembly george sq gardens (Palais du Variété)
Ben Hart is one of the most unique voices in modern magic. His 2025 show is set to be his most mind-bending yet — combining theatre, magic, and philosophical questions about reality. Unforgettable, charming and seriously clever.
Keywords: Ben Hart Fringe 2025, mind-bending magic Edinburgh, theatrical illusion show
10. Kevin Quantum: Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers
31 jul - 24 aug - 19:40
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom)
Former physics PhD and Fringe veteran Kevin Quantum is here to convince even the biggest sceptics. Using science, illusions and comedy, he creates magic that feels... well, unbelievable. Expect gasps. Lots of gasps.
Keywords: Kevin Quantum magician 2025, science magic Fringe, Edinburgh magic for sceptics
Final Thoughts
There are so many amazing magic shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025, I couldn’t possibly list them all – but this lineup will get you off to a magical start. Whether you’re a hardcore magic fan or just looking for something unforgettable to see this August, these shows won’t disappoint.
Pro tip: Book early (especially for ticketed shows), and catch as many as you can. The Fringe is one of the most magical places on Earth – make the most of it.
See you there,
– Cameron Gibson 🪄