James Freedman: Man of Steal, Trafalgar Studios

Man of Steal transfers to Trafalgar Studios for just 44 performances. We were dazzled by the show at Menier Chocolate Factory.
James Freedman, pickpocket extraordinaire, saunters on stage at the like a cat that’s got the cream. And really he should feel pretty happy with himself. The stealth expert has performed his pickpocket demonstrations for the likes of the Royal Family, British Prime Ministers and now a willing crowd of south London theatre goers.
Who is James Freedman?
The magician James Freedman is an 'honest pickpocket', who claims to have picked the pockets of the Mayor of London, The Chancellor of the Exchequer and even The Governor of The Bank of England. With a nod from Derren Brown, Freedman has worked with some big names like Edward Norton and Aaron Johnson when they were preparing for The Illusionist in 2006 and Roman Polanski even recruited him to give Sir Ben Kingsley a crash course in pickpocketing for his role of Fagin in Oliver Twist. Helena Bonham-Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen have also had their hands turned to crime by Freedman in preparation for Les Misérables in 2012.
Man of Steal show: James Freedman
Without giving too much away about Freedman's latest escapades, Man of Steal is a blend of riotous showmanship and thievery, alongside some genuinely fascinating tips about how to avoid con-men and street hustlers. Freedman himself is affable and charming, treading the fine line between a frightening ability to nimbly take whatever he wants from volunteers and a thoroughly enjoyable magic show. He deftly adds a personal touch with stories of his childhood and expresses a warm desire to help all us idiots who do leave bags open on bar stools or pin numbers out for all to see. It is slightly farcical at times, and depending on the commitment of the volutneers hauled up on stage, can become a little Fawlty Towers-esque.
You'll be delighted and enthralled by Freedman's showmanship - just watch your pockets.