The Purple Rabbit | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Five diverse and provocative performers keep the action coming in sharp bursts which have everyone on the edge of their seats.

The Purple Rabbit. Picture: Strut & Fret.

The Purple Rabbit

Magic/Comedy

Rating: ****1/2

The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights

Until March 20

If you enjoy your magic with a side of fun and frivolity, and a large helping of sexual innuendo, then look no further than this new late-night show from the creators of Fringe favourites such as Blanc de Blanc and Limbo.

Showcasing the talents of five diverse performers – Spanish beatboxer Kerol, illusionist Dom Chambers, comedian turned “sexual psychic” Frankie McNair, foot juggler Emma Phillips and an unnamed magician – the action comes in short, sharp bursts which keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.

Be warned, the antics can get provocative at times but if you’re not easily offended, you’ll have an absolute ball.

Adelaide Fringe 2022. The Purple Rabbit. Picture: Strut & Fret.

Adelaide Fringe 2022. The Purple Rabbit. Picture: Strut & Fret.

There’s a nice mix of sleight-of-hand magic featuring casino chips and beers, clever mentalism courtesy of McNair and an unsuspecting member of the crowd, and a card trick inside a contraceptive that will have you shaking your head.

Kerol the beatboxer secures many of the biggest laughs, as he somehow combines audacious rhythms and sounds while frenetically juggling microphones around the stage.

Speaking of juggling, it’s impossible not to be impressed with Phillips, whose fancy footwork allows her to spin everything from rugs and umbrellas to a small table, often simultaneously.

Mesmerising at times, yet slightly cringe-worthy on occasion, the Purple Rabbit is undoubtedly very entertaining and worth the price of admission.