We sat down for an exclusive interview with Max Davidson to discuss his show ‘Strangers’.
This show runs from 6th to 30th August in The Subway at the Edinburgh Fringe – Tickets here
What impact does the show being different every night have on both you and audiences?
It keeps me fresh every night. If I was just reciting a script, it would be easy to feel like I was always on autopilot–but because everything I do relies on the audience, I can really be there in person.
Because it’s so reliant on the people in the room, I hope they can really feel my presence. I don’t need to explain this to them–it’s evident from the moment they walk in that they’ll impact the outcome of the show.
What roles do aesthetics and showmanship play in your performances?
They play a huge rule. Mentalism is so much about words and the nuance in your language with an audience. So, my showmanship is as much of a piece of the show as the actual tricks are. And aesthetics, of course, play a huge role! I have to make sure that what I’m wearing, what my props look like, my branding, and graphics all match the vibe I’m putting out.
The show is made up of tricks, of course, but they need to be presented correctly.
I hope the audience can see that while this show was built in the gritty New York comedy scene, it also has a lot of grace and elegance.
Have you always been interested in magic?
Pretty much, yep! I first took an interest when I was six years old, so I’ve loved magic for basically as long as I can remember.
Do you think you’re attracted to mentalism and endurance sports for similar reasons?
I came at them for different reasons and at different times in my life, but I do think they’re very similar. Endurance sports have taught me the value of genuine patience and returns over time. You can’t become a fast runner in a day. But you can actually get very fast by running quite slow over a long period of time.
I think it’s the same logic when it comes to performance. No individual performance will change your career, but stacking 150 shows per year, which I do, is bound to make you better.
Mentalism really relies on slowing down, relaxing, and making the audience feel comfortable, and that does frequently remind me of the relaxed pace of endurance running.
What role do strangers play in communal experiences?
Pretty much everything. I wouldn’t be able to do my show if it weren’t for people coming to watch and participate in it. So without them, I don’t have a show.
What is it about magic that keeps audiences coming back?
I think, especially with mentalism, it’s the fact that people feel seen. Some audience members are nervous to participate, but the ones that do, I think, get the ultimate reward of knowing that their actions impacted the outcome of the show.
I think that’s what we’re really looking for in life. To be noticed, to feel important, to know that our actions make a difference.
Additionally, of course, what attracts an audience to magic is the allure of the unknown–that on that night, they might genuinely get to experience something new and spectacular.
And finally… what am I thinking?
That you want to see the show! Get tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/max-davidson-strangers