Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Eastern Illusions Reimagined
Keanu Ho | CCW China Season
Genre: Magic
Venue: C Venues
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Perfect for families, this interactive performance introduces the rarely seen art of Ancient Chinese Magic. Award-winning magician and illusionist Keanu Ho, Hong Kong Magic Champion, combines traditional Chinese illusion techniques with contemporary magic. Trained by renowned American magician Rocco Silano, Keanu has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing this unique form of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage. Audiences will witness astonishing illusions, uncover the stories behind old magical traditions, and even learn simple magic themselves. A captivating cultural adventure that delights children and adults alike while celebrating the artistry of East and West
Review
The combination of traditional Chinese magic and more contemporary routines is in safe hands with accomplished and experienced magic performer Keanu Ho. Many of the tricks we might think were invented in the West in recent decades trace their roots back to China, far longer in the past. Indeed, Chinese magic performance has a long history, and this is brought to the stage by this able, funny and assured host.
The audience wowed as he produced card packs from seemingly nowhere and the liking rings, a classic of most western magic routines was invoked with consummate ease. I don’t want to mention many more tricks so as not to spoil the surprise. Keanu Ho knows how to work an audience and has updated the traditional feel without losing that more ancient reverence for cup and ball illusion that is more close up yet had a powerful impact yo/ur humble reviewer sitting about ten rows back.
The show was at its strongest when these illusions were done with more silence, with deftness and as if they were as easy as doing daily chores. A skilled magician he is. I think the modern music and banter was a little too invasive and spoiled that more silent wonder. I am not sure the show needs such a contemp;orary infusion unless it is a bit more subtle. The canned music got in the way of some splendid, high skill magic and illusion. The ending is a sight to behold and the audience were left more than satisfied. That said, the show is strong on variety of tricks and some very funny banter with the audience. I am happy to recommend the show for its amiable and masterly magical host and the right location of these timeless and classic illusions in their proper place. Recommended work.
