How do you make a handful of glitter funny?
Put it in the hands of a consummate magician with immaculate timing, that’s how.
Glitter could be considered a gimmick or an easy prop, but not in Malin Nilsson’s hands. Far from it. Her comic timing and strategic sharing of glitter magic was glue binding the show. Together with Charlie Caper’s disappearing and reappearing bowtie, the recurring jokes were fresh and delightful as well as cleverly distracting the audience through laughter and surprise.
Caper and Nilsson are a well established, award winning, world touring, experienced duo and it shows. Their sleight of hand is world class and mesmerising. I was sitting in the front row and desperate to “see how they did it”, as we all probably are. In the end, I gave up and just enjoyed being entertained and completely awe-struck.
I felt slightly embarrassed at times that the audience wasn’t applauding, myself included. It was totally testament to the complete immersion in the magic and admiration for the performers. Charlie even made a joke about it at one point, so they must be used to it!
Magic tricks and comedy combined to create a varied show of illusion and wizadry, providing astonishment and entertainment throughout.
There really aren’t enough superlatives to describe this show and Charlie and Malin’s talents. Chatting to them after the show revealed even more brilliance. I asked about the robot that bore an uncanny resemblance to Charlie. Turns out that Charlie made a 3D printer, then designed and printed his own face, spent more hours than you’d care to imagine programming the robot and is constantly refiguring and maintaining it. As you do.
A show for all ages, it totally brought out the child in me, plus the awe of pure and innocent wonderment.
Reviewed by Samantha Tipler
5 stars
Performed at La Petite Grand, Gluttony
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/charlie-caper-malin-nilsson-minor-miracles-af2018
