THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0

It has been said that for good, old-fashioned family entertainment you can’t go past a magic show. Even so, while elements of its magic may have been seen before, THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0 is far from an old-fashioned production.

Instead, hi-tech effects including 3D, lasers, the Internet and sophisticated screen projection combine to package the show as a futuristic visual spectacular.

The audience is engaged throughout, not only with the magic, hypnotism and illusions, but also through direct and frequent interaction with the artists. Add in 3D glasses and each audience member’s own secret black envelope and this production is on a winner.

There’s a seven-man, multi-national line-up, with artists from Portugal (The Master Magician, Luis De Mato), Belgium (The Weapons Master, Aaron Crow), Britain (The Deceptionist, James Moore), Australia (The Unusualist, Raymond Crowe), The United States of America (The Hypnotist, Dr Scott Lewis and The Futurist, Adam Trent) and South Korea (The Manipulator, Yu Ho-Jin).

The Master Magician, Luis De Mato, stands out not only as an excellent performer in his craft but also a highly competent and amusing master of ceremonies as he introduces each of the performers and keeps the action fast-paced. His interaction with the audience is entertaining and skilled, while his tricks and stunts are clever and theatrical. Even an opening night Internet hiccup didn’t faze him.

South Korean Yu Ho-Jin is well-tagged as The Manipulator. His performance is mesmerising; almost balletic. On opening night he had the audience in the palm of his hand, along with a never-ending supply of cards. It is disappointing, though, that we see him only in the first half of the show.  

Another audience favourite is Adam Trent, The Futurist, who is as funny as he is talented. Combining technology, dancing and classic magic, he is a consummate entertainer.

The Hypnotist, Doctor Scott Lewis, presents as thoroughly professional. He hypnotises audience volunteers during the interval break, with some very funny results in the second half of the show.

Australia’s Raymond Crowe is amusing, quirky and unconventional as The Unusualist, presenting a mix of comedy, mime, ventriloquism, magic and illusion.

Not every performer has quite the same audience rapport as the before-mentioned artists. While his illusions are slick and fast-paced, James More, as The Deceptionist, seems to not quite hit the mark in terms of the ‘awe factor’ expectations of audience members who have probably seen it all before on television.

This can also be said of the non-speaking artist, Aaron Crow, at least in the first half of the show. As The Warrior, his final act of weaponry, though, is one of the production’s highlights, made all the more spectacular by the use of lasers.

Dancers and others who provide onstage support to the artists are excellent, adding to the success of performances without being obtrusive.

Lighting is superb, as is the set, creating a deep space effect with projected geometric shapes on screens. The soundscape is spectacular, although at times the volume slightly overwhelms the performers’ voices.

Executive Producer, Simon Painter, can be proud of the futuristic, slick and thoroughly entertaining production that is THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0.

Lesley Reed

Lesley Reed's preview including season details.