Charlie Caper’s The Future is a high‑tech magic show that blends illusion, robotics, comedy, and a sense of futuristic education. Winner of Sweden’s Got Talent, Caper has a reputation for mixing engineering and magic, and the latest FRINGE WORLD instalment from Caper delivers on this promise. 

The Future features advanced ‘automatons’, including the AI‑driven Bob and Sparky the mechatronic dog (much nicer than those depicted in 'Black Mirror'), to create a magic show where technology becomes part of the trickery. 

The divide between tech and traditional magic is seamless. The illusions themselves range from classic misdirection to feats that seem impossible without technological wizardry. From mentalist-style card tricks to AI-infused mentalist routines - Caper blends these two passions with ease. Both deliver gasps of wonder from the crowd in equal parts. 

The true highlight of the show was Caper’s impromptu asides and insights (in response to some uncooperative tech - who can’t relate to that?). In particular, Caper’s musings on the future of AI use, its comparisons to other developments of the industrial revolution and its capabilities were what stayed with us most. It is difficult not to fear-monger, or bore, or evangelise when talking about AI - but Caper speaks about it with heart and an earnest pragmatism which is rare to find. 

The Future strikes a balance between spectacle and storytelling. It’s suitable for a broad audience, though particularly appealing to tech‑curious viewers. Ultimately, this show is imaginative, clever, and genuinely surprising and is appropriate for the whole family to visit during this Fringe World season.