Review: THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903 Brings Back The Wonder Of The Golden Age Of Magic

Wednesday 23rd December 2015, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Capturing the grandeur of the early 20th Century with old world showmanship, THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903 transports the audience back to the days of Vaudeville and live stage magic. A blend of history lesson, pure entertainment and 'heart in your mouth' moments, the audience is kept guessing as to how these classic acts are achieved.

The Grammar phone on a pedestal in front of the gold fringed velvet curtains starts the transition from the contemporary concert hall to the theatres that played host to the variety of live performance genres that entertained Edwardian society. It evokes the old world charm seen in photos and movies of the early 1900's and is beautifully paired with the sartorial elegance of host, 'The Showman', Mark Kalin.

THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903 brings together world class practitioners of illusion, acrobatics, magic and physical and silent comedy who recreate classic illusions that range from sleight of hand card tricks to death defying dangerous challenges. Each has a definitive persona which is reflected in their attire. 'The Charlatan' Dana Daniels wears a day suit with a style that one can imagine conning Atlantic City holiday makers out of their cash; 'The Clairvoyants' Tommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass give the impression of young innocents that could not be hoodwinking the audience in their demure early Edwardian styling; and the sensual Jinger Leigh, 'The Conjuress', exudes a mysterious air in an Oriental inspired gown reflecting the era's fascination with the Far East.

There is a balance of comedy and less 'risky' tricks and silence inducing, suspenseful apparently dangerous challenges. 'The Eccentric' Charlie Frye presents a delightfully light comic routine of slapstick, silent comedy and acrobatics with delicious expressions from his assistant, wife Sherry. 'The Escapologist' Krendl has the audience sitting in awe as he faces the Water Torture Cell and it was noted that the children in the row near me were crawling into their parents laps in fear and concern. Justo Thaus and 'The Grand Carlini' blend magic and puppeteering with lighthearted marionette magic whilst 'The Immortal' Rick Thomas raises his act to unbelievable heights.

This ensemble work is aimed at both the young and young at heart with a liberal dose of audience involvement. Along with the central performance, the mood is elevated by the live band onstage that provides emotive sweeping accompaniments, upbeat carnival tunes and jazzy swing. The use of live video projection allows closer inspection of the sleight of hand ensuring that the entire audience can see what is unfolding onstage, and also seeks to provide proof that the magic is real and we aren't being cheated with wires and hidden pockets.

THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903 is a wonderful summer treat for the whole family as it engages and awakens the sense of wonder in audiences of all ages.

THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903

Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

19 December 2015-28 December 2015

Video from Sydney Opera House.