August 26, 2023 
World Magic Review
A talented French-Irish edfringe newcomer, Yvan Zim presents his Tangled D’Illusions show in a pleasantly central basement bar. He’s a skilled magician and presents new interpretations of many classics. If there’s no real theme, most of the audience is too awestruck to notice.There are many highlights in the magic that Zim performs. If rope tricks are often considered less inherently interesting, Zim’s incorporation of his software development background and inclusion of other props makes his a bit more fun. The audience participatory element is especially well handled, he gently teases and encourages those who help him trim his rope. An effect involving eggs also gets a lot of the audience involved from their seats, although ethical vegans may want to avoid lending Zim any possessions. And anyone who has ever been vaguely disappointed by the lack of violence usually involved when magicians “cut” a deck of cards will be overjoyed by how Zim concludes his show.Some of Zim’s tricks could be benefitted by a bit more care going in to maintaining the illusion of magic. There’s the occasional point where Zim appears to be examining chosen audience cards before he places them back in the deck, or where he seems to be tipping himself off to the location of his special item within supposedly randomized envelopes. It’s not every trick, and his skills are still impressive enough, but it’s something that might be worth working on.A lunchtime show at a venue that evidentially does not have an age restriction, Zim has plenty of young children in the audience. He’s great at getting them involved on their terms, choosing children to join him onstage who actively volunteer. A young participant for a card trick at the reviewed show was adorably enthusiastic. Zim had her climb up on a stool (after getting her grown ups’ permission) so she was about the same height as him. They had a great rapport as she helped him shuffle the deck and find her friend’s card.Tangled D’Illusions is a pleasant way to spend an hour. It’s not especially designed for kids but is definitely family friendly, and Zim himself is great with all ages of participants. As part of the Laughing Horse festival it’s easy to turn up without a ticket, a great option for those who find themselves looking for entertainment around lunchtime. Click Here For Review