Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

Article Source: MagicFest
Last Updated: 24 October 2025 11:42

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

And this year it celebrates reaching sweet 16 with two highly innovative world premieres, plus Kevin Quantum’s ever-popular Christmas Show and performances by some of the country’s very best stage magicians.

Tickets are now on sale for shows taking place across the city from 17 to 30 December.

Organiser and co-founder of MagicFest Kevin Quantum said: “It’s hard to believe that Edinburgh has now had its own festival of magic for 16 years, and it just gets more exciting every time around.

“For 2025 we not only have some of the top acts from Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond but have two brand new shows.

“The aim is to bring a special spark of fun to the festive season with great entertainment especially for adults, young people and children – plus lots that the whole family will enjoy together.

This year’s Christmas Show special guests will be magic and variety duo Taylor and Rebecca with their high-energy blend of visual magic, illusions, and circus artistry.

The delightful Four Magicians will make the trip down from Aberdeen with their trademark genial mix of family-friendly fun.

Then there will be a whole outpouring of local excellence with Jamie Leonard, who honed his craft through the MagicFest mentorship programme “Future Magicians”, and the Insane Magic trio Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey. All were massive hits at this year’s Fringe.

Audiences are also invited to step inside The Secret Room to uncover unsolved mysteries of the fascinating Lauriston Castle — and to witness The Most Uninteresting Card Trick, experiencing the psychology of boredom first-hand with psychologist, magician, and bestselling author Professor Richard Wiseman.

And for 2025 MagicFest will also present two world premiere shows.

Shape Shifters is a joyful and visually striking new performance for early years audiences, created through a collaboration between the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, choreographer Eszter Marsalko, and renowned costume designer Alison Brown. Directed by MagicFest producer, Svetlana McMahon, it fuses dance, theatre, and jaw-dropping illusion, with creative input from Lea Kyle, world champion of quick-change magic.

MagicFest Producer co-founder Svetlana McMahon said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with such an inspiring creative team on this project — and to be developing it in the newly refurbished building of our community partner, North Edinburgh Arts.

“We’re also hugely grateful to the partners supporting Shape Shifters: The City of Edinburgh Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Fund, the National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations through Creative Scotland, and Kiran’s Trust.”

Magic Awareness Society is an immersive close-up magic experience set in a dystopian world where illusion is outlawed and amazement is frowned upon. Blending intrigue, sleight of hand, and a touch of dark comedy, the show draws audiences into a covert gathering — where a decision must be made: follow the state-sanctioned path of wonderless obedience, or join the magical resistance?
These brand-new events join a packed programme of magical experiences for all ages — with returning favourites, rising stars, and plenty of surprises still to come.

MagicFest highlights include:

Christmas Special: Kevin Quantum and guests in a riotous full-evening magic show on the big stage, with spectacular illusions and oodles of family-friendly fun.
• Prices: £20.00 - £24.50
• Dates: 22-30 December
• Times: 23 and 23 December 14:00 and 19:00. Other dates 12:00 and 16:00
• Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DR
• Age: 5+

Shape Shifters: A joyful magical dance adventure for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, celebrating identity, difference, and the friendships we build when we find the courage to be ourselves.
• Tickets: £5
• Date: Sat 20 Dec 11:00 and 15:00
• Duration: 45 mins
• North Edinburgh Arts, 12c Macmillan Cresent, Edinburgh, EH4 4AB.
• Ages: 3+

The Magic Awareness Society: Step into a dystopian world where magic is forbidden and wonder is prosecuted... This immersive experience blends theatre and astonishing feats of close-up magic from master magicians mere inches from your eyes.
• Duration: 90 mins
• Tickets: Preview: £18/£16 CONC, Full Price: £24/£22 CONC
• Dates: Mon 29 Dec 19:30 (preview), Tue 30 Dec 13:30, 16:30, 19:30
• Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh
• Ages: 12+

Insane Magic: After Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs Insane Magic (Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey) return with their biggest show yet - an hour of mind-blowing magic, with fan-favourite classics sprinkled into the mix.
• Duration: 60 mins
• Tickets: £14 /£12 CONC/CHILD
• Sat 27 Dec 13:30 and 15:15, Sun 28 Dec 13:30 and 15:15
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 12+ (guideline)

Four Magicians: Heading to Edinburgh from Aberdeen, four guys with one great magic show. A fab family show. AUDIENCE WARNING: Expect Dad jokes.
• Duration: 80 mins
• Tickets: £14/£12 CONC
• Dates: Sat 27 Dec 19:00 and Sun 28 Dec 19:00
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 12+ (guideline)

Wonder Boy: Jamie Leonard’s most exciting show yet - a high-energy, laugh-out-loud hour of magic packed with slick sleight of hand, unexpected twists and genuine moments of wonder.
• Duration: 50 min
• Tickets: £12/10 CONC
• Sun 28 Dec 17:00
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 8+

Edinburgh Magic: Join Kevin Quantum at the Caledonian Hotel as he unlocks hidden Edinburgh and presents the magic that’s fooled the greatest minds associated with the city, from Harry Houdini to King Charles. Objects float before your eyes, money multiplies, time stands still.
• Duration: 1hr 10 min
• Tickets: £30-£55
• Dates: Tue 17 Dec 18:00 and 20:30, Wed 18 Dec 18:00 and 20:30
• The Caledonian Hotel, Princes St, EH1 2AB.
Ages: 12+

Tricky Ricky: Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show.
• Duration: 50 min
• Tickets: £12.50/10 CONC/CHILD
• Mon 27 Dec 10:00 and 11:30, Tue 28 Dec 10:00 and 11:30
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 4+

Richard Wiseman, The World’s Most Boring Card Trick: Can you stay the course? Master magician Professor Richard Wiseman dares you to try to sit through the most boring card trick ever performed.
• Duration: 50 min
• Tickets: £7/5 CONC
• Dates: Sat 27 Dec 17:00
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 16+

Making Magic Workshop with Tim Licata: In this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it.
• Duration: 90 min
• Tickets: £20
• Sat 27 Dec 11:30, Sun 28 Dec 15:00
• Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
• Ages: 12-18

The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle: Set against the castle’s breathtaking Edwardian interiors, this spellbinding event invites you to experience history, magic and mystery intertwined.
• Duration: 1hr 15 mins
• Tickets: £22/£20 CONC/£16 CHILD
• Sat 20 Dec 12:30 and 14:30, Sun 21 Dec 12:30 and 14:30
• Lauriston Castle, Cramond Road S, EH4 6AD
• Ages: 8+

Full line up and tickets here www.magicfest.co.uk

Image credit: Geebz Photography

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!

Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.

Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.

Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership

Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.

Popeyes announces Fort Kinnaird opening date

Popeyes® UK fans in Fort Kinnaird can get their hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich from Monday 3rd November, with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 100 in the queue.

Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National gallery

Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National.

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly comedy night and autumn programme

The Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

Dream job in Edinburgh up for grabs as Prezzo Italian searches for first ever Chief Tasting Officer

To celebrate the launch of its new George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer'.

Halloween is just around the corner and The Ivy Edinburgh has some scarily good things up their sleeve to help celebrate

This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Where Science Meets Santa: Winter Wonderland Returns to Dynamic Earth

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is transforming once again into a Winter Wonderland.

Get ready for Edinburgh Diwali 2025

Edinburgh city centre will be awash with colour on Sunday 2nd November as Edinburgh Diwali marks 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.

Festive line up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort

Ho Ho Ho! Festive line-up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort - Featuring visits from Mrs Claus and the return of the festive cinema.

Festival announces its new commission by Marc Brew

Imaginate has announced its next Expo-funded Festival commission will be by award-winning disabled dance artist and choreographer Marc Brew, as part of an increased focus on disabled-led work.

Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE joins Loganair as first ever Brand Ambassador

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has appointed celebrated Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE as its first-ever Brand Ambassador.

New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All

The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign brings a taste of European excellence to Edinburgh

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign invites food enthusiasts to explore the rich flavours of Grana Padano PDO and Prosecco DOC in Edinburgh this October.

Fort Kinnaird gives hundreds of primary school pupils chance to design labels for homegrown honey

Over 115 local primary school students aged between five and 11 years old are due to take part in a competition run by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the jars of honey.

St James Quarter unveils a Magical Christmas 2025 Programme

St James Quarter, Edinburgh, is set to sparkle once again this festive season with a showstopping Christmas Programme for 2025.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.