The works of Terry Pratchett are an inspiration to many of us. The fantasy author’s body of work is substantial, coming up to over 100 books depending on how you count it, and he’s best known for his Discworld series, an accessible fantasy world that features very relatable, very real (but also quite funny) people.
The Magic of Terry Pratchett is an hour-long stand-up show (and lecture of sorts) about his life. This is a power-point and puns sort of affair. Terry passed away in 2015 and is sorely missed. This show is about Terry’s life and works and why his name will continue to be spoken for many years to come. Our host is Marc Burrows, a comedian and author who also produced a book about Terry’s life, which is also called The Magic of Terry Pratchett.
Terry’s works are remarkable for their humanity, insight, depth, sense of humour and terrible puns. The show emulates all of these things; Burrow’s central point is that Terry was a storyteller who told stories not only about the world but himself. Terry took control of his life by taking control of his own personal story. Which is a fancy way of saying he was strong-willed enough to face the world on his own terms, re-imagining himself in order to succeed.
Burrows is charismatic and charming throughout. He loves the Discworld and is fascinated with Terry’s story, and this joy is evident and infectious. This is a biographical tale, so we begin with Terry’s childhood and go all the way along to Terry’s death. Along the way, Burrow’s examines what made the books so popular, as well providing insight into the Discworld fandom. Terry was driven by many factors, including anger at the injustices of the world and a deep-seated sense of humanity’s absurdity, and Burrow gleefully explores the story behind the man to the delight of the audience.
Though this show is essentially for the millions of Discworld fans out there, it’s a good story told well, so if you’re not familar with Terry’s work you will have fun. (Though you may want to go a read Mort or Small Gods first.)
From the befuddlement of established media (who to this day don’t seem to get the appeal) to Terry’s knighthood, our host picks through the highlights of Terry’s life in a celebration of all he achieved. Funny, clever and profound, The Magic of Terry Pratchett is a strong and intelligent show for fans of fantasy, puns and good stories. Unmissable.
Tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe show can be found here. You can find out more about Marc Burrows (and subsequent tours) here.
