James Freedman: Man of Steal, Menier Chocolate Factory

Normally comedy critics tell people not to sit in the front row, lest they're picked on by a particularly boorish comic. No such problem for audiences at James Freedman's interesting and unusual show about the art of pickpocketing and more modern crimes; nobody is safe from being volunteered and, in the evening's memorable finale, the subject wasn't actually in the audience when one of Freedman's tricks made him the star of the show.

Freedman, whose hands are insured for a million pounds, is as adept at relieving people of their valuables as he is at delivering corny but interesting patter about the art – for an art it truly is. He traces the crime's history and associated rich language – “dipping”, “fingersmith”, “eyeing the poke” (choosing the victim) – before bringing us into the digital age. Did you know that the first credit card scammer was an Italian waiter?

It was being picked on by bullies as a child that gave him a heightened sense of justice

Freedman is not a thief gone good; rather, he tells us, it was being picked on by bullies as a child that gave him a heightened sense of justice, and his day job is advising police forces and security firms about how criminals operate, as well as teaching actors dipping skills for films including Les Misérables. His sleight of hand, by the way, comes from being a member of the Magic Circle, and he uses close-up skills, distraction, body-reading and memory tricks in his act.

This show should qualify for a public education grant, such is the amount that the audience learn about how easy we make it for criminals – leaving valuables on pub tables, placing open handbags on the floor in restaurants with wallets in clear view, not protecting our PINs at cash machines. And anyone who carries their wallet or mobile phone in their back trouser pocket? That's called the mug's pocket for a reason, you mug.

There's a lot of audience interaction, mostly to illustrate the cons, and one segment, in which he denuded two people on stage of everything of value about their persons not once, but twice, made great comedy. The last section, about how to steal someone's ID, is recounted with some light-hearted banter with the victim but is shocking none the less.

Freedman, despite his onstage warmth, hasn't quite got the showmanship of Derren Brown or Paul Daniels and the 75-minute show (directed by Edward Hilsum) has the occasional, er, dip. But he's an engaging host and you will learn a lot.

• James Freedman: Man of Steal is at Menier Chocolate Factory, London SE1 19-20 and 26-27 April