Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reviewing a recording of a show featuring magician Jamie Leonard (Review here). He also chatted with Magic Seats and promised many more shows for 2025.
True to his word, Jamie has performed many shows this year with the aim to bring more “Wonder” and “Wow” back into everyone’s lives. This summer, he performed his “Wonder Boy” show at the Edinburgh Fringe which was his fourth consecutive year at the festival.
Jamie kindly submitted a recording of the show to Magic Seats to review. I was especially intrigued to watch this latest show recording because Jamie was performing solo this time. This full 45-minute Fringe show rested entirely on his shoulders. I was pleased to note a packed audience, which is no easy feat with so many shows vying for attention at Edinburgh Fringe. “Wonder Boy” ran daily from July 30 to August 3 at the well-known Gilded Balloon venue.
At just 17, Jamie has already achieved many magic accomplishments, including performing for the Saudi Royal family. As a magician attempting to raise his profile, he appears determined to gain success, not necessarily by being the best magician (his own words), but by sharing “Wonder.”
The stage is set as a school classroom, complete with fitting props. The narration and storytelling tie the performance not only to “Wonder” but also to reminiscing about school days and experiences. Jamie begins the show enthusiastically, quickly building interaction with the audience and teasing a full set of card magic, mentalism, and amazing feats.
Jamie is incredibly funny and charismatic, and his personality and character shines on stage. Although the performance is scripted, Jamie demonstrates confidence and the ability to ad-lib and adapt to any unexpected situations. When a joke did fall flat, it tended to be more an overused standard gag (trap door) rather than his own unique gags and material.
His work with volunteers is excellent. I know from my own experience that a volunteer can sometimes misunderstand an instruction or make a mistake when in the spotlight. It then falls to the magician to keep things on track and put them at ease. Jamie handles these moments seamlessly, adapting and showing great spontaneity as opportunities arise throughout his set. His ability to work with all eventualities is vital—a mark of a true showman!
A favourite part of the show for me is when a more natural Jamie emerges with a change of pace towards the end of the show. He talks about magic, childhood heroes and those that you look up to as a child. Jamie mentions, Derren Brown who was his childhood hero and inspired him through the “Wonder” of performing and magic which he now wishes to share. Without revealing too much, the show finale is quite the feat! It involves some lightning-fast math calculations and offers a quick-paced, exciting conclusion with many reveals.
A talented artist who I recommend that you go and view any of his shows when performing. Hopefully I will get to see him perform in a venue live very soon and I am certain that he has much more to offer and will keep growing as an entertainer.
https://www.instagram.com/jamieleonardmagic?igsh=MWZzaWZhNjYzZzY5
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