Royal & Derngate Northampton – Wednesday 14th February 2024
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
Houdini’s Greatest Escape is not only a Whodunnit, but also a Howdunnit. With a small cast consisting of the amazing Adam Elliott, Kirsty Cox, Lydia Piechowiak and Ben Higgins. This talented troupe converge to play countless characters who bring to life the story of the great Houdini, who, when framed, finds himself having to navigate a great escape of a different kind, that of a ‘wronged man’. Along with his fabulous wife Bess, he must clear his name and avoid getting murdered in the process. Throw in a medium, a mob clan, a mess of a police chief, a travelling circus, a hunk in the woods with a well-honed nose, a few Scots and many more colourful characters and what you have here is the combination for a stunning piece of theatre.
The New Old Friends a touring theatre company has established itself as a true tour deforce, I cannot begin to explain the talent that is contained within this company. It begs belief that there were only four actors on stage, performing, changing sets, changing costumes, and never missing a beat, entertaining the audience at every moment. The quality quartet had us not only following the engaging narrative, but also scratching our heads at how they managed all the quick costume changes, not to mention having us in fits of laughter. The imagination, energy, creativity, charm and of course the magic was off the charts.
Written and directed by Feargus Woods Dunlop, with movement direction from Sam Archer, set design by Caitlin Abbott and costume design by Connie Watson, Houdini’s Greatest Escape is sensational. Nonstop entertainment, well thought-out humour, ranging from visual gags, witty wordplay and the most hilarious skit performed by Adam Elliott, involving 4 characters at once, I still can’t get my head around how he managed it so seamlessly, it really was magic. A special mention goes to Kirsty Cox and Nelly, they truly must be seen to be believed. Inventive, captivating and enthralling, this is a show not to be missed. The genius of this show is that there is something here for everyone. It’s so so clever, especially the inventive ways of utilising the sets. Mystery, mayhem and even a little romance. Throw in some slapstick, appropriate breaking of the fourth wall, super sets, dodgy accents and some literal hair-raising moments and you have a truly exceptional piece of entertainment, not to mention you get to solve a crime. Don’t let this masterpiece of theatre escape you.