I chose a card at random as the deck flashed across my eyes. Then the bearded magician opposite attempted to read my mind. ‘Is it the king of spades?’ He asked confidently. ‘Not quite,’ I replied, ‘it was the four of hearts.’ His crestfallen gawp made me wonder: would it be alright on the night?
Fresh from touring cabaret lounges at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rob Hemmens and Rhys Jones are indulging themselves in the mystery and whimsy of high Victoriana with a new show of theatrical magic which strikes the right balance between kitsch and entertainment.
The eponymous tricks are of the classic variety: time-tested sleights of hand that rely heavily on audience participation. Playing cards, cups and balls, metal rings: expect nothing particularly new or innovative.
Nevertheless, they are well executed and entertaining. What began with three sugar cubes hiding under tea cups rapidly transformed into an afternoon tea run amok, cakes and sugar cubes vanishing and reappearing with consummate ease.
Other tricks have a darker, vaguely macabre edge that hints at magic’s dalliance with occultism, such as when both magicians insert nails into their noses. The comic touches were frequently nuanced and skilful, but on occasion felt uncomfortably heavy-handed and forced, as if the magic couldn’t speak for itself.
Dressed in silky cravats and waistcoats, Hemmens and Jones are a likeable pair and evidently obsessed with their smart little set-pieces. The oddly endearing magical geekiness, however, comes at the expense of the theatricality and showmanship so vital in holding the show together between tricks. An audience might leave well informed about the history of Victorian magic, but they might not leave so well entertained.
That said, the show itself is solidly pleasing if not inspiring, and its intimate nature is perfectly suited to the close confines of the Burton Taylor. Like Jonathan Creek, both Hemmens and Jones have a background as theatre technicians that should blend any trilling violins and crimson lighting appropriately with the wizardry on display.
See this, if only to remind yourself how far a hobby can take you, and as a heartening change to the upcoming gamut of melancholy morbidity likely to dominate the Burton Taylor’s schedules for the rest of the term.
Tuesday – Saturday 2nd Week
Burton Taylor Studio
3 Stars
