Poof! Secrets of a Magician
Image (above): Poof! at Sydney Opera House - Photo by Victor Frankowski
Poof: used to show that something has happened suddenly or by magic (Cambridge dictionary), or, a homosexual, the poor man’s term for homosexual (Urban dictionary).
Two very different meanings explored using magic, song and stand-up comedy by James Galea in his cabaret show, Poof!:Secrets of a Magician.
At first glance the stage looks very much like the setting for any magic show, but with some notable differences; a box with ‘Secrets’ written in large print, a grand piano with a statue of a white rabbit peeking out from underneath and ‘Poof!’ emblazoned on a large screen at the back of the stage.
However, Poof!: Secrets of a Magician is like no other magic show. After an initial ‘coming out’ (as a magician) confession, we are treated to dancing penises, audience participation, amazing card tricks and most of all, a peek behind the magic and the magician.
It is interesting (and to James’ credit) that we never hear magic words, see magic gestures or any of the trappings of a sleight of hand magician. His music and showmanship are his magic. Through song and stand-up comedy, we are led through his journey to become a magician and are introduced to his beginnings as a children’s party entertainer, Mr Squeaky, balloon animal maker extraordinaire!
Image: James Galea - Photo by Cameron Rad.
Early into the show James introduces us to his world famous ‘673 King Street’ card trick with the help of a member of the audience and a camera to show the illusion close up. This trick needs to be seen to be believed.
There are many card tricks dispersed throughout the performance. Two highlights (without giving anything away) are his ‘Gaydar’ trick, performed with a member of the audience, and his transformation of a Tarot card trick. I must confess, I watched the vision from the close-up camera carefully and I could not understand how they were done!
Song plays an integral part of James’ show. Songs expand the relationship between his sexuality and magic, expand his narrative and link episodes in his life. Two of his songs are unforgettable; ‘Are All Magicians Gay?’ and ‘All Psychics are C**ts!’.
To round off the evening James lets us into the worst day of his life as a young magician, a triumph of comedy monologue, film and piano accompaniment. I will never look at a duck in the same way again.
A word of warning. If you are easily offended by strong language, then this show is probably not for you.
Poof!: Secrets of a Magician is an hour of song and hilarity (all with a liberal sprinkling of glitter and confetti), but most of all, some amazing magic performed by an accomplished magician and entertainer!
Barry Hill
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