The Illusionists 1903

The Illusionists 1903 have delivered the golden age of magic to their Adelaide audiences. A packed theatre full of anticipation and the hope that they would see the unbelievable and unexplainable, which was delivered with class.

The Illusionists premiered three years ago and was so successful that producers have breathed new life into their third instalment of the popular genre. The year was 1903 and there were no such things as movie or radio stars. The biggest names in show business all sprang from the variety stage. With theatres opening up all over the world, magic became a popular art form. Escape artists, such as the popular Harry Houdini, to psychics and mind readers captivated audiences with their never before seen tricks and illusions. This golden age spanned over thirty years.

This latest offering takes you back in time and captures that vaudeville vibe. A variety of performers with a wealth of experience adorn the stage; each with their own persona. Award winning illusionist Rick Thomas is the immortal, his stage presence larger than life. Along with his beautiful and flexible assistant they leave the audience shaking their heads in disbelief at what they have just witnessed. Charlie Frye as the eccentric earns his comparison with classic comedians such as Buster Keaton and Dick Van Dyke. His slapstick humour and numerous tricks had the audience in stitches. Adding a bit of danger to the show is Jonathan Goodwin as the daredevil; unleashing his crazy stunts with such props as straightjackets and a bed of nails. Charismatic performer Mark Kalin is dubbed the showman and rightly so; along with Jinger Leigh as the conjuress they add variety and depth to an already mesmerising show. Rounding out the cast is veteran performer Armando Lucero as the maestro; his close-up trickery will leave you in wonder. But no show would be complete without a clairvoyant; Thommy Ten and Amelie van Tass take many an audience member hostage as they manipulate and deceive.

Helping you through heart stopping moments was a band of talented musicians, some were seated in the corner of the stage adding to that music hall mood. Lighting design was spectacular and an integral part of the illusions.

It would be fair to say that a little bit of Vegas has landed at the Festival theatre showcasing various flamboyant artists doing what they do best.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Dylan Evans