OBSERVER: The Adults Only Magic Show
I love magic shows. The Adults Only Magic Show did not disappoint, keeping me amazed in more ways than one.
I was trying in earnest to see the ‘tricks’ as they were happening. Showman Productions produced a show that is enjoyable, entertaining, mysterious, original with plenty of ‘tricks’ in the hour timeslot to keep the audience guessing, often in awe.
Lots of fun. Yet being an adult only magic show that is part of a Comedy Festival, this show was destined to offer more than magic.
We were asked from the beginning who was there to see ‘under the cloths’ – perhaps not in such polite terms, many hands went up – lots of people there for the ‘adult’ themes.
They would not have been disappointed, there was plenty of nudity/ scantily dressed, mainly handled by the two non-magicians of the four-male group.
The magicians Sam Hume and Justin Willams seemed more comfortable with magic than the crude humour or nudity , particularly Hume who was the star magician.
MC Magnus D (for Danger) Magnus and his stage hand were clearly the exhibitionists of the group. Magnus did his part as MC well, yet it did not add anything to see him naked.
The team had a great rapport with the audience helpers who were picked at random. They were at ease adding to the show.
A surprise element was learning the backstory of how this magic duo came to be, the hardship they have faced , the comeback story.
Whilst not comedy, this allowed for a greater connection with the audience.
I would recommend this show for its magic and storytelling. As a comedy it was the audience interaction that brought the most humour.
I left not thinking about the lack of clothes but how they switched clothes right in front of our eyes.
Until April 24
Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne
artscentremelbourne.com.au
Review by Elizabeth Semmel