REVIEW: ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR GROWN UPS (SPOILER FREE)

Ben Bisaillon hails from Vancouver, British Columbia and joins Fringe for the first time with his charming show about wanting to do something impossible, with or without superpowers. 

From coins falling from thin air to tricks with gummy candy, Bisaillon engages his audience with a quiet awkwardness and his table full of Lego, toys and paper craft materials. Each part of the art flows nicely into the next and when some tricks take a bit longer to resolve, Bisaillon is warm and gracious. At times, it is difficult to tell if Bisaillon’s fluster is part of the act or if it’s legitimate. No matter what, it is a fascinating display of mentalism and determination.  

What this show needs is a bit more oomph. Some lighting and sound would help with setting the tone and ease through transitions so the audience is not left sitting in the dark, deafening quiet of the Theatre Aquarius studio space. 

As an out-of-towner, the show also needs (and deserves) larger audiences. I recommend bringing the family to this particular magic show (despite the show's title of it being for grown ups). It will only help Bisaillon grow in confidence having larger houses to charm and astonish.

I encourage our community to support Bisaillon’s first theatrical endeavour. It is a delightful experience to behold.