“An intensely unassuming stage presence blossoms like it’s midnight in a garden closely planted with cereus flowers.”

Editorial Rating: 4 5 Stars (Outstanding)

Warwickshire’s own Angus Baskerville is a wonder. Active since 2014 and a member of The Magic Circle since 2020, Baskerville’s reputation is rapidly growing under the grow lamp and hydroponics of his neurodivergency, combined with a total commitment to the past, present, and future of the magician’s art. An intensely unassuming stage presence blossoms like it’s midnight in a garden closely planted with cereus flowers and with spectacular results.

We enter to find a table on which are a few properties, as well as a whiteboard prominently showing the free wifi info – which will be needed for one of Baskerville’s more incredible feats. Over the next 50 minutes, we will watch him ascend to ever greater heights of mindblowing relatability using his neurodivergency like a rock climber uses magnesium carbonate – it’s what gives him such a firm grip, absorbing any nervous energy, reducing slips and keeping him focused like a laser pointer cellotaped to an eagle

There’s no escaping the fact that this still feels like early days. Baskerville is still to hit his full stride as a performer. The moments when he totally loosens up and starts to really enjoy himself on stage are a promise of what’s coming in EdFringes yet to come. This is an act whose confidence doesn’t yet match the considerable ability being demonstrated – a comforting contrast and inversion of many lesser shows across the genres. Baskerville gets rid of his cape early in the show; this is about magic, not about spectacle. Perhaps it’s the corporate hotel venue, or because we’re watching a jobbing local magician (available for weddings, functions, private parties, etc) but there’s something there that’s missing a polish and or sparkle that’s not quite up to speed (yet).

Still, here is an EdFringe legend so obviously in the making. A personable performer with something deep and meaningful to say on a subject about which much more is said than understood. Come for the insight into neurodivergency as the superpower that it is. Stay for tricks that will have you shaking your head and wondering if Baskerville oughtn’t to be reported to the witch-finder general. Get your capes on (or not) and go see this!

ALL our recent coverage? Click here!