ED FRINGE REVIEW Mr Swallow, Houdini

★★★★★

Nick Mohammed's alter ego Mr Swallow returns to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year with a magical, musical biopic of Houdini.

I didn't really know what to expect as I'm only really familiar with Nick as that guy who appears to be in every sitcom going and even recently popped up in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

In a loose sense, Houdini is a tribute to the illusionist, but Nick Mohammed, under the guise of Mr Swallow, takes the character of Harry Houdini and runs with it, using song and dance to turn the famous illusionist into a camp, easily distracted northerner.

Nick doesn't do it alone though, he is joined on stage by the brilliant David Elms and Kieran Hodgson, playing the parts of Mr Goldsworth and Jonathan. More bang for your buck.

The three of them together on stage is just pure comedy magic and if the opportunity arises, I'd love to see them do a lot more together.

That said, there's no denying that this is very much Nick's show, and Houdini allows him to show off his incredibly versatile talents. Not only is he ridiculously funny, but he also has the ability to belt out a tune, to dance and as Houdini has proved, perform actual magic live on stage.

Those skills on their own are tough enough to crack for most, but Nick effortlessly masters them all culminating in one truly wonderful Edinburgh Fringe show.

Nick's incredible performance is daft, full of energy and a joy to watch. It's impossible to walk away from Houdini not feeling full of joy and happiness.

Considering the way 2016 has gone so far, Houdini is the escape we all need. Just an hour of fun without the mention of Brexit... OK, there was one mention. But it wasn't overly political.

Nick really does deserve the recognition which will undoubtedly come his way after Houdini.

Mr Swallow: Houdini will be on at the Pleasance Courtyard until Sunday 28th August at 7pm