Showman
Showman by James Phelan is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows. It has 20 performances listed, running from Sat 8 Aug, 17:15 to Sat 29 Aug, 17:15. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
'British magic at its finest. Utterly magnificent' (LondonTheatre.co.uk). Unmissable magician James Phelan, infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after predicting the lottery, presents this dazzling, five-star rated magic show that guarantees to leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. Direct from a sold-out run in London's West End, and the first magician in history to sell out a two week solo run at The Magic Circle, it'll be easy to see why the Standard call this 'An unforgettable evening we can't stop talking about'. 'The perfect night of wonder' (HELLO! Magazine).
Details
- Performer: James Phelan
- Venue: Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows
- Space: The Beauty
- Genre: CABARET, Magic, Comedy
- Country: UNITED KINGDOM - ENGLAND
- Running time: 60 minutes
- Room size: about 500 seats (The Beauty) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 20, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: level
- Access features: Step-free access, Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Access into the venue with a wheelchair can become restricted once the majority of the audience have been sat. Please turn up with ample time so you can be admitted first to ensure ease of access. Wheelchair access type:Level Access Stairs: None Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.
What the reviewers said
We have captured 6 published reviews and 64 audience reviews for this show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s own listing. The excerpts below are the reviewers’ words, not ours — follow each link for the full review.
Magician James Phelan has done a great job creating an entertaining and interactive show. From predicting cards to reading minds, there were plenty of moments that kept the audience interested and involved throughout…
— North West End (4 out of 5 stars)
If you’re into magic and comedy, then James Phelan’s “Showman” is the very show for you. Not only is he an incredibly talented magician, but he brings a fantastic night of entertainment full of fun and laughs.
— One4Review (5 out of 5 stars)
Phelan is on top of his game, he builds a show that is both showy and poignant. He gives advice and relays the message that we can achieve our dreams.
— A Youngish Perspective (5 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Sat 8 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sun 9 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Mon 10 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Tue 11 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Wed 12 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Thu 13 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 14 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sat 15 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sun 16 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Tue 18 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Wed 19 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Thu 20 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 21 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sat 22 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sun 23 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Wed 26 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Thu 27 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 28 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sat 29 Aug, 17:15 — Already performed — £16.00