James Freedman: Man Of Steal, playing at Trafalgar Studio 1

West End has a Man Of Steal

First Published 12 May 2015, Last Updated 12 May 2015

James Freedman: Man Of Steal will bring light-fingered, pickpocketing magic to the West End this summer when it transfers to the Trafalgar Studio 1 later this month.

The show of digital dexterity, which stole audiences hearts when it played at the Menier Chocolate Factory earlier this year, will run at the London theatre from 26 May to 4 July.

Freedman’s hit show promises to expose the tricks and techniques used by hustlers, street criminals and con-men, while also entertaining.

The wallet-lifting wizard was inspired to study the dark arts of thievery when he was mugged as a youngster. “It was then I decided to become a pickpocket myself, only an honest one,” Freedman says. “I want to educate people to help them avoid becoming victims.”

The real life Artful Dodger, who has brought his watch snatching knowledge to projects including the Les Misérables movie and BBC series Hustle, teamed up with magic wunderkind Edward Hilsum, who was sponsored by The Magic Circle to create a one-man show aged just 18, to create Man Of Steal.

James Freedman: Man Of Steal opens at the Trafalgar Studio 1 following the run of another hit transfer, Golem. The spectacular piece of performance, which blends narrative and live performance with music, film and animation, was first a hit at the Young Vic before heading to the West End. Golem runs until 22 May.

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