Review by Markus Hamence – London Calling – Performance date: Friday 06 March 2026. Gluttony, Adelaide, South Australia.
PICK OF THE FRINGE WINNER ‘London Calling’ returns – bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever!
Step aboard and be swept off your feet in a high-octane celebration of cabaret, circus, magic and comedy. Back by popular demand, the show that captivated Adelaide is ready to dazzle again!
My take…
“…this show is a slice of London swagger landing right smack bang in the middle of the Adelaide Fringe playground…”
Markus Hamence
Presented by Paul Dabek Presents and Matt Tarrant’s MindBlown Productions, this show is a slice of London swagger landing right smack bang in the middle of the Adelaide Fringe playground. London Calling is a slick, fast-moving variety spectacular hosted by British magician Ben Hart. Returning to Adelaide and playing at The Moa in Gluttony during the 2026 season, this hour-long show blends cabaret, circus, magic and comedy into a lively tribute to the energy and eccentricity of London nightlife.
The second the lights hit the stage, London Calling feels like stepping into a buzzing Soho cabaret club. A video backdrop flashes iconic London imagery while a soundtrack of British classics drives the pace, giving the whole show a sense of movement and mischief. The concept works beautifully – one minute you’re watching slick circus skills, the next you’re caught up in a cheeky comedic moment before being pulled straight into a piece of close-up magic.
“Hart brings charm, quick wit and a magician’s sense of theatre to the role of host…”
Markus Hamence
Ben Hart is the thread that stitches it all together. Known internationally for his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent, Hart brings charm, quick wit and a magician’s sense of theatre to the role of host. Rather than simply introducing acts, he guides the audience through the show with a playful storyteller’s touch, dropping in mind-bending tricks and audience interaction that keep the crowd leaning forward in anticipation. His ‘Ring’ trick baffles men and his ‘Card’ segment is slick.
What really makes London Calling pop is the variety. The show doesn’t linger anywhere for too long, instead bouncing rapidly between different disciplines – circus artistry with an incredible suitcase twirling scene, cabaret flair on a flying hat-stand, physical comedy with gob-stoppers plus hoops and battens and of course illusion, it’s the perfect blend. It’s an entertaining mix that feels very much in the spirit of the Fringe itself, where surprises are part of the thrill. The performers are polished and charismatic, each act adding another spark to the overall spectacle.
“In just sixty minutes the cast delivers a tight, high-energy ride that never loses momentum…”
Markus Hamence
The pacing is one of the show’s strongest assets. In just sixty minutes the cast delivers a tight, high-energy ride that never loses momentum. Laughter rolls easily through the tent, and the visual spectacle keeps audiences constantly engaged. It’s exactly the kind of feel-good variety hour that suits the Fringe atmosphere – accessible, lively and packed with skill and ready to thrill.
Ultimately, London Calling is a celebration of honed skilled entertainment in its purest form. It’s cheeky, dazzling and delightfully unpredictable, with Ben Hart steering the ship with effortless charm. For Fringe-goers chasing a show that mixes magic, circus and a splash of British cabaret attitude, this one delivers a cracking night out.
Good job, old chaps!
London Calling
Friday 20 February – Sunday 22 March 2026
The Moa at Gluttony – Rymill Park
Tickets
Follow London Calling on Facebook
Visit the London Calling Website
Watch my INTERVIEW with Ben Hart
