CHRIS COX
Edinburgh 2006 Reviews.
What people say about Chris Cox performing He Can't Read Minds at
the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The Show was a SELL OUT, and had crowds amazed and astounded.
***** - Five Stars Broadway Baby.
(http://broadwaybaby.com/review.asp?bbrid=244)
It's obviously easy to draw comparisons between Derren Brown when talking about Chris Cox. But whereas Brown is a bit dark and creepy, Cox delivers his material in a much more approachable manner.
If anything, Cox's blasé kind of attack on the genre belies his obvious preparation of the show. A fair chunk of it is actually presented by a pre-recorded Chris on DVD - which requires split second timing and well rehearsed stage direction to pull off.
Using pre-recorded material is an interesting device to predict the outcome of a seemingly random set of circumstances. These events are drawn from the extensive use of audience participation in the show; and Cox has plenty of people to choose from as the Cabaret Bar is the busiest I've seen it.
The show consists mostly of magic tricks and "mind control". Starting with a classic, guess-the-card routine to a far more complex prediction involving multiple audience members and DVD footage, it's all done in a light and humorous way which clearly suits Cox's style perfectly. If, like me, you think Derren Brown is a bit scary, then you'll find Chris Cox a far nicer chap to spend the afternoon with.
Oh, and by the way, I have this strange compulsion to use the word "Amazing", though I'm not totally sure why... [PS]
**** - Four Stars Three Weeks.
(http://edinburgh.threeweeks.co.uk/detail_review.asp?id=3776&srch=chris+cox)
Not only does Chris Cox provide an hour of beguiling mind
tricks, he includes the audience in the fun by hurling a jumper
wearing ferret into the air and whoever catches the little critter
has to help Chris with his next trick. I should stress that the
ferret is a toy. Unlike Derren Brown, Chris is refreshingly
nonchalant about his magic tricks, quickly highlighting the links
between his show and basic psychology. The only point which slowed
the show was the mini computer Chris used which felt contrived and
decreased the spontaneity. This is a fun show, and I guarantee
Chris' final trick will leave you awe struck and speechless.
The Stage - MUST SEE.
(http://www.thestage.co.uk/edinburgh/reviews/review.php/13892/chris-cox-he-cant-read-minds)
Unlike some mentalists, Chris Cox repeatedly denies having any
mystical powers, assuring us that he’s accomplishing all his
mind-reading effects through a magician’s skills of misdirection,
influence and body-language reading. If anything, this makes his
tricks even more impressive, since they are openly the product of
masterful skill and technique and if you might occasionally guess
how he does it - he has a few giveaway “tells” of his own -
there is still enough mystification to make for a fully entertaining
hour.
And so when he guesses a card just from the holder’s giveaway
twitches, or somehow knows what audience members have drawn on their
sketch pads, or invites the audience to invent credits for an
imaginary film, only to have them appear on a DVD trailer someone
has been holding since the show’s opening, we can delight in the
surprise, even as he reminds us it’s all a trick. Adding to the
show’s fast-moving fun are the 22-year-old’s amiable personality
and his clever comic interplay with a pre-recorded video version of
himself, who is almost as good a magician as he.
Venue Magazine - Essential, Don't even think about missing Chrs Cox - the non mind reading mind reader.
