I wouldn’t normally consider myself a fan of magic, but whenever I watch tricks being performed my little mind is blown away. I can’t for the life of me work out how they do it. So when I was invited along to watch Derren Brown’s new magic show Unbelievable, I was very on the fence if I would like it.
But I was in for a surprise. The magic show doesn’t star Derren, but it’s his baby. He’s the magical mind behind the casting, staging, tricks and illusions plus – as one of the performers tells us during the show – the words. He has clearly poured his heart and soul into making a show that will not only make the audience gasp in shock but laugh and smile and also, as with all magic shows, get involved!
A magic show with audience participation
Before the curtain even went up, the cast circulated the crowds asking them if they could measure their wedding rings. This wall all captured on camera which and live streamed to TV screens dotted throughout the theatre. Then the lights went down and the curtain went up revealing one lonely chair in the middle of the stage. A message appeared telling us they needed a volunteer and that they wouldn’t start until someone came up and sat on the chair. One brave man got up and then the show began!
We were then treated to something I never imagined. We were shown the behind-the-scenes on how this certain trick was performed, and how the illusion was made. The man was kept in the dark, shown only what we the audience would normally see. But for once, we were all in on the act. And it was so simple, the actual logistics to deceive an audience isn’t nearly as complicated as you might think.
After this mind-blowing start, the rest of the magic show didn’t disappoint. The volunteers who handed over their rings before the show began were asked up as one of the team of magicians somehow linked them all together. An oldie but a goodie and totally mind-boggling. There were acts drawing on the spiritual, traditional illusions, tricks inspired by magicians of old, telepathy and even a whole segment of singing, dancing and turning water literally into wine.
Where to get tickets
If you want a night out which will leave you feeling magical then look no further. Unbelievable is on at the West End’s Criterion Theatre until April 2024. For tickets visit www.unbelievable.com
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve seen the show, or for other top London nights out, contact us here.
The Joy 