Noel Coward Theatre 8 July – 27 August. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Wow. Just Wow.
Impossible returns to the West End with a bang, actually, some VERY LOUD bangs. Underneath the lavish production values lies a very traditional and hugely entertaining magic show. Themed around the history of magic performers, this gives the magicians the chance to showcase classic tricks. This may not appeal to innovation seekers, but most performances are incredible and jaw-dropping. Some critics were unhappy with the machismo on display last year, so the new cast includes Sabine Van Diemen sawing a man in half (whilst seemingly auditioning for a new Carry On film) and Josephine Lee performing Houdini’s Water Torture Cell escape.
Jonathan Goodwin reprises his daredevil act, working the audience brilliantly as he does ridiculous things to himself (“More”, he says as fuel is poured over his crotch!) and his wife – although the looks she sometimes gives him hint at who wears the non-flaming trousers in that relationship.
Magical Bones brings his street magic style to the stage, wowing with his dancing and magic skills. His trick involving the audience is fantastic. I am sure it’s easily explained through probability, but the moment the whole audience realised what had happened was mind-boggling.
Chris Cox is a force of nature, changing the whole tone of the show whenever he is on stage. Brilliantly geeky and self-deprecating, his mentalist act is both hysterical and extremely unsettling. How does he do that?
Ben Hart’s act is the highlight of the show for me. A born story teller, revelling in the historical theme, he is equally impressive performing the spectacular Tesla coil trick or close up magic. Amongst all the hoopla, the most spellbinding moment of the night is his billiard balls trick performed as a silent movie – simply gorgeous.
The big draw of this year’s show is, of course, Britain’s Got Talent Winner Lance Corporal Richard Jones. Given the evenings off by his CO, he continues to entertain with his relaxed, audience friendly style. There are no bells and whistles in his act here, just good, old-fashioned befuddlement on the faces of the people he calls onto the stage. Slightly too much chat explaining his jokes, but I’m sure he’ll become more relaxed as the run continues.
Unfortunately, the show ends with a whimper, with Van Diemen performing a ridiculously dated laser/levitation dance. This may work well in Vegas where everyone is getting sozzled as they watch, but I saw H from Steps do this trick in panto last Christmas with a much smoother take-off.
This quibble aside, Impossible is fantastic family entertainment, full of wonder and laughter, and a great night out.