This is the next instalment of Mischief Theatre’s enterprises, and it is wonderful to see them doing so well.
Unlike some of their other shows, this show lacks a true narrative. The concept is simple: it is a magic show to raise funds for a charity and various tricks go wrong. However, there is nothing more substantial to the story than that, which means that, at times, it can feel a little slow, clunky and disjointed. I found some of the tricks/scenes with Bear and Spitzumas to be particularly slow and tedious, but I assume that that was because they were used as ‘filler acts’ in order to set up the next trick.
However, despite it seeming quite slow at times, it was very clever and very funny. I particularly liked how, when they ‘went wrong’, the mechanics behind some magic tricks were revealed, whereas others were left completely intact and left the audience in awe and wonder. The audience participation sections with the Mind Mangler were some of the funniest bits of the show, and I have complete and utter admiration for Henry Lewis, having to base, and potentially improvise, an entire section of the show on audience reactions!
This isn’t my favourite of the Mischief Theatre’s productions, but it is great fun and a good laugh and, if you want a fun night out at the theatre, I would recommend this show, or any of their other shows.
A word of warning though to those who want to see this show: if you don’t want to be a part of any audience participation sections, don’t sit in the front of the stalls…