Review: ‘The Anti-Magic Magic Show’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026

Benjamin B. in "The Anti-Magic Magic Show" at The Hobgoblin Playhouse/Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 (Photo courtesy of the artist)

Illusionist Benjamin B.’s “The Anti-Magic Magic Show” — billed as a magic show for people who don’t love magic shows — is having its world premiere at The Hobgoblin Playhouse as part of this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Benjamin’s performance is lighthearted, clear and informative. Since this is an anti-magic show, the production does not rely on the traditional gimmicks or big illusions audiences may expect from a typical magic act. Still, Benjamin keeps the show fun and engaging by leaning into the concept and making his tricks feel accessible.

Benjamin B. in "The Anti-Magic Magic Show" at The Hobgoblin Playhouse/Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 (Photo courtesy of the artist)

The set design is simple and effective. Benjamin performs on a small black stage with a projector behind him, which is used to highlight and explain common magic tricks and techniques used by magicians. The setup gives the show the feel of both a performance and a presentation.

The show works best when it balances explanation with entertainment. I appreciated the informative approach to the material, and the pacing was appropriate overall. While there were a few moments that fell flat, Benjamin was still able to keep the audience engaged and move the show forward.

Benjamin B. in "The Anti-Magic Magic Show" at The Hobgoblin Playhouse/Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 (Photo courtesy of the artist)

One of the strongest moments of the show is the numerology section, in which the entire audience uses the calculators on their phones. It’s a cool interactive choice and a great way to close the performance. That moment helps bring the audience into the experience and gives the show a memorable final beat.

Overall, “Anti-Magic Magic Show” is not your typical magic show. It may not deliver the spectacle of a traditional magic act, but Benjamin still manages to entertain, inform and create an engaging experience through his unique approach to magic.

“The Anti-Magic Magic Show” will perform at The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 N. Gardner St., Los Angeles, on Friday, June 12 at 11:30 p.m., Thursday, June 18 at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 at 12 p.m. (noon). For tickets, visit HollywoodFringe.org. Run time is 50 minutes.