Max Davidson: Strangers ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An interactive mentalism show where the audience plays a central role, and no secret – or phone passcode – is safe. The sold-out sensation comes to Edinburgh on the heels of multiple U.S. tours and NYC runs. Part mind-reading, part storytelling, the show is ultimately a joyful celebration of the beauty we find in strangers when we slow down enough to see them.”

There is something particularly impressive about a mentalism show that doesn't need to shout about being impressive. This is a wonderfully understated piece of mentalism that puts its audience firmly at the centre. There are no huge theatrical interruptions or endless flashing lights trying to convince you that something outstanding is happening. Instead, Davidson gets people talking, thinking, remembering, and occasionally wondering whether their phone passcode is really as secure as they thought.

The direction makes excellent use of the space and never lets the production become stagnant. Something is constantly occurring, whether it is a new interaction, a story developing, or another member of the audience being brought into the experience. That constant sense of movement is particularly impressive considering how intimate the show is. It never feels like Davidson is frantically trying to fill the hour; instead, everything flows naturally.

Lighting is lovely and, unusually for a show that predominantly stays in one lighting state, I didn't find myself wanting more. Normally, I'd ask for more variety, particularly in a magic show where lighting can heighten reveals and create spectacle. But Strangers doesn't need that. Its magic is deliberately laid-back and intimate, and constantly changing lighting states would arguably work against what Davidson is trying to achieve. Sound is similarly well judged. Everything is at a comfortable level and, importantly, you can hear every word clearly in a show where so much depends on listening to what people say; that clarity is essential.

Projections are simple but effective. For most of the show, the screen displays the production's poster, but when the projections are needed to show something we otherwise wouldn't be able to see, they become genuinely useful. They are never overused, and I appreciated the restraint. The production doesn't think that because it has a screen, it needs to use it constantly.

The book is where Strangers really shines. The tricks themselves are impressive, but the storytelling and build-up make them work so well. Davidson understands that the audience doesn't simply want to be shown something impossible; we want to be taken on the journey to it. Stories are introduced, details are established, and seemingly insignificant pieces of information are allowed to sit in the back of your mind before they suddenly become relevant. It creates a wonderful feeling of anticipation, and even when you think you know where something is heading, Davidson keeps you guessing.

And then there is Max Davidson's performance, which is captivating. He has enormous stage presence and an effortless charisma that makes him incredibly easy to watch. The performance has real confidence, but it never feels arrogant. Davidson has the audience completely in the palm of his hand, and he manages to create the feeling that even when you are sitting among other people, he is somehow talking directly to you. The audience members aren't simply volunteers brought on stage to help perform tricks. They become part of the story. Davidson creates sincere connections with them, and that feeling spreads throughout the room. His ability to make people feel comfortable is just as impressive as his ability to read their minds seemingly.

Strangers could easily have become a conventional mentalism show dressed up with a sentimental message about interpersonal connection. Thankfully, it doesn't. The connection is built into the actual mechanics of the performance. We watch strangers meet strangers. We listen to their stories. We become invested in what happens to them. And then Davidson somehow makes the impossible happen. It is intimate, funny, charming and, at times, genuinely astonishing. Max Davidson: Strangers is proof that the most impressive magic is the kind that makes you forget you're watching a magic show at all.

Max Davidson: Strangers plays at Just The Tonic at the Subway until 30 August at 17:50 and runs for approximately 60 minutes.

Book tickets for Max Davidson: Strangers