Review: MAGIC GOES WRONG, Curve Leicester (UK tour)

Pictured: Original London Cast

A company who has hit the ground running with bringing back audiences to watch their work in 2021 is Mischief Theatre. With three UK tours, two London productions and one online production - Mischief Movie Night In - under their belt; they are doing a spectacular job at delivering some much needed joy into our lives. One of the UK tours, Magic Goes Wrong, is certainly not to be missed this summer!

Created through the combined brilliance of Mischief Theatre and Penn & Teller comes a highly entertaining comedic show, all brought to life by an excellent cast who leave nothing in the wings. The creators of this show have done a spectacular job at making simplistic, well-known magic tricks go disastrously wrong. Whilst the premise does mean the tricks result in regular casualties, there are still some fantastic magical illusions thrown into the magician's hat for good measure. The influence of Penn & Teller can definitely be seen as even the tricks that go wrong are packed with sleight of hand, misdirection and maybe even a sprinkling of real magic!

Magic Goes Wrong is so carefully constructed that the constant flow of funny acts and their execution leaves you laughing out loud. I genuinely can't remember the last show I saw that made me laugh so much! Mischief Theatre know how to deliver a show that will keep their audiences hooked from start to finish.

At the forefront of this production is the brilliant cast; Daniel Anthony (Mickey), Valerie Cutko (Eugenia), Sam Hill (Sophisticato), Kiefer Moriarty (The Blade), Rory Fairbairn (Mind Mangler), Spitzmaus (Jocelyn Prah) and Chloe Tannenbaum (Bar). The distinct characters they portray and their relationships with one another provide a concrete oomph to the show that doesn't go unnoticed. The relationship with the audience is really key to how this performance is executed and nothing is lost throughout its entirety. Their definitive bond with the audience is clear to see from the start, especially if their name is John. The favourites of the night were definitely the Mind Mangler (Rory Fairbairn) who definitely had the audience in stitches. Not forgetting that Mischief Theatre's productions are known for ensuring many of the technical and camera people are also thrust into the forefront of the action throughout, which often results in a larger comedic effect.

Magic Goes Wrong has everything to offer in live theatre. Whether it's the direction by Adam Meggido to bring the ideas to life, spectacular set design by Will Bowen, the costume design by Roberto Surace or the cast that enable such a simplistic idea to come to life, this certainly is the ticket you should be buying!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt

Magic Goes Wrong is touring across the UK until 21 November 2021. You can find further information on the production here and to book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.

Please note this review also appears on Carpe Diem Emmie’s blog page.