EdFringe Talk: Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“For one month you are transported into this surreal world of art and entertainment. From hotels, pubs, churches, universities and even in the side of the street, everywhere you turn is a performance arena.”

WHO: Richard Essien

WHAT: “Following a totally sold-out debut in 2019, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist returns to the Fringe with ‘a dazzling show… full of imagination and flair’ **** (Guardian). Direct from appearances on America’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, BBC One’s BAFTA Awards, ITV1’s This Morning and Sky’s Around The World in 80 Tricks, join Bones as he brings you a brand-new hour of the most awe-inspiring and high-energy magic you’ll see this year.”

WHERE: Assembly Checkpoint – Assembly Checkpoint (Venue 332) 

WHEN: 16:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Actually, this will now be my third time at the Fringe. Each time I’ve always come up as a performer. The first time was with a late night variety show called Charabang back in 2013 and the last time was in 2019 with my debut solo show Black Magic. I really love the the Fringe, as it is a special kinda of experience. For one month you are transported into this surreal world of art and entertainment. From hotels, pubs, churches, universities and even in the side of the street, everywhere you turn is a performance arena. You’re surrounded by so much creativity and talent, as well as the beautiful history of Edinburgh- you can’t help but grow as a performer and person.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

One of the biggest things I learned in 2019 was to plan well in advance. From the spontaneous performance opportunities to the tons of show invitations so many things come at you all at once so you need to make sure your always prepared . But I guess the biggest takeaway is to be present and enjoy the experience. I learned that not everybody will enjoy my show but also that everyone doesn’t have to. The festival is huge and there is room for everyone’s tastes and talent.

Tell us about your show.

Souful Magic is a high-energy action packed magic & illusion show, that’s been sprinkled with Hiphop flavour. This show is brand-new and has been written by myself and is being produced by Broken Robot Productions. Essentially the show is a continuation of my previous show Black Magic which I brought to the Fringe in 2019. As well as being a magician my background is also street dancing, so you can expect tons of great music and original ideas with magic tricks, such as solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, whilst doing the spinning breakdance move windmills.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I think that people should go out and see everything, especially, magic shows. There are so many great magicians well known and unknown coming down so they’ll be in for a treat. I also think people should see my sisters comedy theatre show ‘Flat Shoes in the club’, it’s a hilarious one woman show that exposes the challenges that face women when going clubbing! But most importantly try and see something different, because you may surprise yourself and find a new inspiration or passion.

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