Review: THE ILLUSIONISTS Return To Sydney To Captivate Audiences With Their Special Brand Of Magic

Wednesday 19th December 2018, 7pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Almost a Sydney summer institution, Simon Painter and Tim Lawson's stage magic returns to the Sydney Opera House for another season with THE ILLUSIONISTS. The international troupe of tricksters, daredevils, and illusionists delighted and fascinated the opening night audience with their special brand of old world entertainment presented with a modern twist.

The Works Entertainment, who also delivered stage magic, cabaret and circus shows THE UNBELIEVABLES, CIRCUS 1903 THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS , THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903, LE NOIR THE DARK SIDE OF CIRQUE, return for another captivating season with the eclectic mix of seven incredible artists. With a somewhat darker aesthetic, the troupe of The Showman (Mark Kalin), The Conjuress (Jinger Leigh), The Inventor (Kevin James), The Mentalist (Chris Cox), The Trickster (Jeff Hobson), The Daredevil (Jonathan Goodwin) and The Manipulator (An Halim) entertain the audience with sleight of hand, grand illusion, vaudeville magic, cabaret comedy, mind manipulation and fascinating feats of insane bravery.

Decidedly dapper Jeff Hobson serves as MC and comic relief in his series of sparkling suits and quick witted comments as he interacts with the audience. Mark Kalin treats the audience to classic large scale illusions with the assistance of the Conjuress Jinger Leigh as he recreates historically significant acts. As well as partnering with Kalin, Leigh entrances the audience with an elegant gravity defying performance. The Inventor Kevin James adds some somewhat macabre elements to the evening along with presenting some close up magic, shown with the assistance of the live camera footage broadcast on large screens, that delights all ages, particularly the children invited to join him. An Halim's sleight of hand card work is beautiful in its choreography whilst keeping the audience guessing as to how he manages to conjure cards seemingly out of thin air. Dangerman and escapologist Jonathan Goodwin definitely lives up to his Daredevil title with pieces that have the audience holding the breath. Adorably nerdy Chris Cox is geekly comic as he confounds the audience with his mind reading and endearing physicality.

With content created to engage and captivate audiences of all ages, THE ILLUSIONISTS is a brilliant blend of talents that help revive the wonderful old world of magic and illusion that was favoured by audiences in the early 20th century presented with a modern world tough edge. In a world where we are so used to accessing answers at the click of a button, THE ILLUSIONISTS evoke memories of having moments of wonder where you simply had to believe in magic and be absorbed in the moment.

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/circus-and-magic/2018/the-illusionists.html

19 - 29 December 2018

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