20 January – 14 February

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This show belongs to the FRINGE WORLD Festival 2026 season. This season is now over.

A collage-style image featuring a central photo of a person reaching into a circle of hands coming together in a group fist bump. Surrounding the main image are close-up shots of the hands, many wearing colourful beaded bracelets. The background blends into a cosmic, starry design with glowing light effects, giving the scene an energetic, magical feel.
FRINGE WORLD Festival 2026

Alakazam

Silent Clown Wizardry

Ben McCarthy has discovered he has magical powers, and he'd like you to witness them. But what even is magic? A bunny out of a hat? A first kiss? Cutting a beautiful lady in two? Only one way to find out.

Alakazam is a nonverbal show helmed by Ben McCarthy, a clown/improviser based in Melbourne.

After a sellout season at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (CADET KELLY IS THE BEST MOVIE I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY FRIGGIN LIFE) Ben McCarthy is back with a brand new show! In 2024, he debuted his first solo show at the Melbourne Fringe, which received three Judge’s Picks and a nomination for Best Comedy of the festival.

"Ben McCarthy’s particular brand of Hi-NRG clowning makes for a truly deranged hour” ★★★★ The Age, 2025

"Standout slice of silliness"★★★★ Chortle, 2025

"Ben beguiled the audience into his world" ★★★★ Hugging Comedians, 2025

DISCLAIMER: This is not a real magic show involving magic tricks; there is, however, magic all around us, which means there's magic in every Fringe show. So therefore, yes, it is a magic show; they all are.

Presented by: Ben McCarthy

Ben McCarthy is an improviser and comedian who’s been performing for over ten years through New Zealand and Australia. In 2024 he debuted his first solo show (this one!) at the Melbourne Fringe, which received three Judge’s Picks and a nomination for Best Comedy of the festival. He went on to perform to sold-out audiences in the Adelaide Fringe and The Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Comedy • Interactive
Victoria • Western Australia Premiere
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Suitability & warnings

Content rating: M
Family friendly: No
Loud Noises
Coarse Language: Occasional
Audience Participation: Frequent

Presenter

Presented by: Ben McCarthy

Ben McCarthy is an improviser and comedian who’s been performing for over ten years through New Zealand and Australia. In 2024 he debuted his first solo show (this one!) at the Melbourne Fringe, which received three Judge’s Picks and a nomination for Best Comedy of the festival. He went on to perform to sold-out audiences in the Adelaide Fringe and The Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

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