Lin Lu-Chieh grew up in rural Taiwan and, he tells us, didn’t know about the concept of birthday parties until he was 18. Despite this, he has gone on to make magic his profession, with birthday celebrations being a classic bread-and-butter part of his trade. In this show, he riffs around the theme of those parties, their cultural traditions and what they mean, to link and frame his magic tricks. It’s part whimsical memoir, part straight-up magic show: a piece that kids can ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at, but also one that provokes gentle thoughts about our lives, how we mark them and what we make of them.

Both script and tricks feel slightly scrappy at times. A skit involving a digital voiceover party guest doesn’t quite come off and the connections between tricks occasionally feel tenuous. But Lin is infinitely affable as a performer and just the right mix of sardonic, warm, self-deprecating and mischievous. When he’s on form, he’s on fire, and there are some astonishing memory tricks involving games with the number pi and a beguiling rope act which he delivers smoothly, with a rhythmic, melodic monologue about sharing sweets. It’s a classic Fringe gem: not perfect, but hugely enjoyable. 

Birthday Party, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 31 August, 11.30am; picture: Lucas Chih-Peng Kao.

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