Review: Sid Ozalid: Amazing Wonders of Scotland, Ironworks Studios- Brighton Fringe

(Photo Credit: Megan O'Neill)

In this one-man show, you’ll find yourself going on an epic journey. Sid Ozalid is your guide, helping you learn more about Scotland’s past and Scottish culture through magic, song and mentalism. 

‘Amazing Wonders of Scotland’ made its official debut this year at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival to great success, selling out the run. Following the performances at Brighton Fringe, the show will be going to the Edinburgh Fringe, where it will be running from the sixth to the twenty second of August.

I came into this show knowing next to nothing about Scotland, aside from the fact that it’s where Edinburgh Fringe happens and that it’s a place that makes a lot of people I know very happy. So when I was invited to come and see this show, I was excited to finally get a chance to learn more about a place that I’ve yet to explore. 

This show, which is aimed at families (especially children) was both very educational and a lot of fun. Ozilad’s predominant focus on ‘what we typically think of when we think of Scotland’ means the performance doesn’t feel too densely packed or overwhelming. It’s like the sensation of reading a short ‘fun facts about’ book rather than a dense history book the size of a doorstop. Additionally, he divides the information into bitsized chunks and by doing so, he leaves plenty of room for play and audience interaction/participation. 

Although, how everything has been integrated together comes across as a bit random at times, which does cause a bit of confusion, especially when he introduces the pure entertainment scenes and moments of talking about his personal experiences into the mix. Unfortunately, this means the pacing feels slightly off.

The songs are original and beautifully imperfect, embracing the pure joy of being silly. Being childish is actively encouraged, so I find myself switching off the adult part of my brain for a bit and getting stuck in. A song about what’s worn under a kilt- tartan underpants obviously! Why not? It is an absolute blast singing along. 

The close up magic tricks are a great opportunity for children to get more involved with the action. A mind reading puppet is really imaginative and the fact that prizes are offered is a really nice touch in encouraging children to be confident in their curiosity. Who doesn’t want to reach into a Scottish sock of wonders for a caramel wafer? 

It’s not all fun facts and games, there is also an unexpected and beautifully moving story behind the show. Ozalid talks about the power of creativity and how art can be a form of recovery, in this instance, his art helped him to recover from a brain injury. He advocates for doing hobbies and engaging with the arts not only because of the potential healing qualities of these things, but because it can make you feel good.

Ozalid is a joy to watch on stage and his bright and colourful show is full of childhood magic. A happy way to spend an afternoon.

*** Three Stars

Age rating: Six plus

Content notes: Audience interaction/participation

For more information and tickets to the upcoming run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sid-ozalid-amazing-wonders-of-scotland