Josh Staley – Fool Me Once

by | Mar 31, 2025

By George Dixon

Melbourne’s Comedy Festival is once again in full swing. This annual event provides an amazing vibe to this city.

With so many artists and different types of performances, some may become overwhelmed

In choosing which shows to see.

Regardless of what’s on offer, Josh Staley, with his unique blend of family-friendly (10+)

Magic with Comedy, is without doubt a “Bucket List” not to be missed.

Fool Me Once, showcases Staley’s high-energy modern magic.  It is no wonder that Staley was awarded Best Magic and Best Comedy in 2024.

The style of close-up magic, traditional coin and card presentations, along with seamless comedy interwoven with mindreading and hands-off magic, presents a “What The” atmosphere, in a way that leaves you bewildered and stunned.

While the comedy and audience participation are absolutely delightful.

The comedy is clean, smart and, at times opportunistic.

From start to finish the one-hour presentation moves along at a good pace.

The high point magic trick is absolutely amazing and defies anything experienced before.

It involves a flat stand supported by a tripod, an empty clear wine glass, a pack of cards unsealed but closed and see-through silk cloth.

To top the evening, the grand finally completes the event in such a way that confirms just how unique Staley and his magical masterclass is.

The audience’s enthusiastic applause throughout the show enhanced the atmosphere, the applause was amplified at the conclusion of the show as a huge appreciation of the gifts and talents that is Josh Staley.

Related Posts

West Gate

West Gate

By Adam Rafferty The fall of the West Gate bridge during its construction in 1970 is something that should be an essential part of the education of all Victorians. But as time passes, increasingly it doesn’t feel like common knowledge, even amongst Melbournians....

The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew

By Ash Cottrell As a passionate, adventurous Melbournian, you’ve really got to try everything this city has to offer. In recent years, I’ve come to love experiencing Shakespeare presented outdoors, in parks particularly. While it’s usually, Macbeth or A Midsummer...

Rebel: A New Musical

Rebel: A New Musical

Review by Suzanne Tate   Opening night for Rebel: A New Musical in Prahran on Friday night was a resounding success! The Book, music, and lyrics were written by Drew Downing, initially performed by him as a cabaret, which he debuted at the Midsumma festival in...