As Mat Ricardo notes during his show, if you know how a magic trick is done, you could do it yourself (well, with a small amount of practice at least). Though there’s no mystery to his collection of sideshow circus turns, Ricardo’s tricks take years to perfect. And you can tell: his skill, dexterity and hours of preparation are certainly on show here.

Ricardo’s here to regale with a new set of tricks presented in his usual stylish manner (sporting a dapper three-piece suit that recalls variety acts of a bygone age). The feats he performs are familiar; there’s juggling with a varying number and weight of balls, messing about with knives and daring feats of balance. But Ricardo presents it all not just with great ability but good humour and a mischievous sense of theatrics.

He knows how to play his audience; teasing them by building up to something that doesn’t quite happen to make it all the more impressive when it eventually does. There is, of course, plenty of humour too, such as his mock warnings to those who are potentially in the ‘dropped object’ range of his stage. Ricardo adds a little history to the mix, too, with a fascinating story about his favourite and most unlikely of strongman acts, the Deluca Sisters. A thoroughly entertaining, satisfyingly slick hour for all the family to enjoy. 

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 28 August, 12.15pm.­