Ben Hart has an enthusiasm for magic, like a child when they receive a new Lego set. He talks fast, performs his tricks even faster, and finishes off his amazing illusions with a cheeky smile. That smile is not arrogance though. It’s more the look you give someone when you’ve perfected your art to the highest degree. And this man has definitely done that. This reviewer even deliberately tries to sit in the front row of every Ben Hart show just so I can try to catch Ben’s mastery of deception mid-trick. Alas, it has been to no avail, this master magician is just too quick for the eye and too clever in his words and actions for anyone to doubt his spellbinding talent.

Bringing a new show to the Adelaide Fringe this year, Ben Hart introduces us to Hex. Focusing more on witchcraft, the magic has a darker tinge to it but is lit up by Hart’s cheeky humour, penchant for silliness, and charismatic demeanour towards his audience. Along a riveting sixty-minute journey into the world of Hex we’re introduced to a djinn, watch on as the spirits play card tricks and use all our senses, as Hart shows us that the impossible is possible. The stories he shares while performing his magic are just as fascinating as the tricks themselves - demonstrating to us that this man loves his craft (witch or otherwise), studies it, and revels in its origins.

The audience plays a huge part in Ben’s performance. Thankfully on the night I watched him in action, they were in fine spirits (no pun intended). Attaching wedding rings with ease, making credit cards disappear, and turning rice into water, are just some of the illusions that will give you a sleepless night as you try to figure out just what happened right in front of your eyes. If Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme, I think Ben Hart may be a close second!

FIVE STARS *****

Reviewed by Shane Berketa