EdFringe Talk: Fake

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve performed all over the world but there truly isn’t any place like Edinburgh during August.”

WHO: Chris Cook

WHAT: “It’s pretty, but is it art? Magician and storyteller Chris Cook weaves a true tale of deception through the lives of an artist, an art forger and a magician. Three men, centuries apart, connected by illusion. A story only a magician could tell about beauty, belief and the fine line between talent and trickery. ‘Chris Cook regularly tests the boundaries of what can be defined as a magic show’ (WorldMagicReview.com). ‘An absolute master of the stage’ (BroadwayBaby.com) ‘Not just clever sleight of hand and surprise effects… it’s also connections between people and occasionally poetry’ (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Speakeasy at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68b) 

WHEN: 18:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Incredibly, this will actually be my 12th year at the fringe! I brought my first full show in 2014, which was a bittersweet love-story told through magic tricks. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked and brought a fresh storytelling show to the festival every year. I’ve performed all over the world but there truly isn’t any place like Edinburgh during August.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned came on a clowning workshop I did with my hero Eric Davies of Red Bastard fame. That was simply that I have to fully give myself to a performance if I want it to feel as real as possible. This is a show that I’ve been working on for a decade now so I know that I’m truly committed to telling this story.

Tell us about your show.

This year’s show might just be the most ambitious thing I’ve created. Ultimately it serves to ask the question “What makes something art?” It’s a show about an art forger who created the perfect fake and how some of the worlds greatest artists may in fact be a hoax. Ultimately, it’s a story that can only be told by someone with decades of experience of fakery and fooling people… ie a magician. It’s inspired by some of the final works of Orson Welles, along with the forgeries of David Henty and real-life experiences from the world of magic. The show is presented by Snap The Arrow Productions and was written by myself with creative support from my long term collaborator Rhys Williamson. Technical design is by the incredible Michelle Robb, who has worked on many of my shows in the past. It’s a joy to be able to work with such a brilliant team and I’m really proud of what we’ve created.

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

First up, go and see La Clique because it’s an absolute institution. It’s a ragtag bunch of ever-changing circus performers who create a divinely sexy freakshow of joy. I first saw it in 2014 and it completely changed my life. I remember watching it and just thinking “I don’t think I’m ever going to have a normal job…” This years lineup is absolutely outstanding, with special shout outs to the devilishly captivating Heather Holliday and the raucously brilliant Tara Boom. I’d also recommend trying to see Mark Forward. He’s a wonderfully energetic and abrasive Canadian comedian who you can’t help but fall under his spell. I believe his last show in Edinburgh was in 2017 so I’m really excited to have him back to the fringe. His shows seem to merge utter absurdity with genuine heartfelt realism, all the while showing an almost resentment of the audience that ends up being incredibly endearing. Don’t miss it!

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