Metaverse of Magic

With Brisbane being the last stop on this 'magical-mystery-tour' around Australia and its theatrical display of the latest trends in technology, AI and gaming fused with traditional circus acts, card tricks and audience interaction and participation, the show continues to capture the imagination of an appreciative crowd, being well-crafted, suitable for all ages and certainly an intriguing night out with a difference.

What astonishes me these days is the advance in visual extravagances, not only in the medium of film but also in a live environment, including, as in this production, the use of holograms, albeit 3D-without-the-glasses. Many of the scenes are not only 'how-was-it-done' from the traditional magic side of the action, but also through the use of lighting and special effects. This was particularly prevalent with Japanese Illusionist Hara: in one scene, for example, he literally disappears as a bird in flight surrounded by magical lighting 'dust'.  

The producers have pulled out every stop to make this as inventive and futuristic as possible with a variety of acts to keep the audience entertained while the central character (played by modish actor and magician Ash Hodgkinson) continues on his quest through the Metaverse in an attempt to become the best magician in the world. Guided by computer-generated AI character Digi, played by Erin Bruce, he comes across a number of characters on each 'level' of the journey. These include magicians Sabine Van Diemen and Charli Ashby, accompanied by dancers, in well-presented and choreographed scenes of character and traditional magic.

Additionally, comedian and magician Jarred Fell wows the audience with his campish audience participation scenes leading to more than one surprise at the end of the show, best not revealed in this review (but well worth waiting for!), whilst Horret Wu's card tricks are most inventive and baffling and someone you wouldn't want to be around if you were playing a game of poker!

With the use of audience smart-phone interaction, mind-boggling visuals, an effective musical score, a technical production team in full 'glow' and a combination of traditional magic with the 'magic' of ever-advancing technology, this is a well-conceived concept and production that is certainly to be experienced 'live'.

And you can even - are even encouraged to - keep your smart-phones switched on! Is this a first?

Brian Adamson

Photographer: Jeff Busby

Click here to read Nicole Smith's Sydney review.

Clicjk here to read David Spicer's interview with Ash Magic.