What’s it all about?
Helicopters appearing from thin air! Women jumping out of boxes after seemingly being chopped in half! Magicians levitating in laser beam extravaganza! Audience members’ every thoughts predicted!
Oh yes, Impossible is an evening of brain-boggling tricks, jaw-dropping stunts, deadly dangerous daredevils and can’t-believe-your-eyes (or ears, for that matter) mind control.
Seven magicians prove the impossible possible in this brand new celebration of magic, from the most elaborate (and extravagant) trickery to simple sleight of hand that will leave you dumbfounded.
Who’s in it?
Everyone from a man who, for someone who declares himself unable to read minds, has an uncanny ability to predict exactly what you’re about to say to a nimble fingered young talent who wows with everything from popping candy to rope.
The mind-bending Chris Cox brings humour, charisma and geek chic to proceedings, while Jonathan Goodwin carves a role as the Mark Strong of the magic world with Bond villain intensity and a penchant for danger. Jamie Allan offers stunning choreographed moments as he makes assistants fly and brings magic into the 21st century with digital mastery. There’s also simple – but often most impressive – sleight of hand from Ali Cook and Ben Hart whose card tricks defy belief. But it’s Luis De Matos who wins the audience as he turns the tables and proves everyone can be a magician if you play your cards right…
What should I look out for?
It’s more a case of what not to look out for. While it’s tempting to spend the entire two and half hours desperately trying to work out how it’s done, don’t bother. You can stare at their hands as long as you like – or watch up close thanks to the screens placed around the auditorium – but these masters are giving nothing away.
Who was in the press night crowd?
Dynamo was in the house to support his fellow magicians as were the less magical but far more dressed up cast from The Only Way Is Essex. We also spotted presenter and author Rick Edwards with partner Emer Kenny and classical singer Natalie Coyle.
In a nutshell?
Prepare to be bewildered, perplexed, baffled, wowed and thoroughly entertained as magic takes centre stage in the West End.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Absoliutely blown away by the Impossible magic show in the West End @impossibleshow – highly recommended – @bigcox was my favourite act
— Mike Southon (@MikeSouthon) July 30, 2015
Magical Magic! Impossible @ImpossibleShow will melt your mind – lots of traditional magic with cutting edge trickery
— Thomas Magill (@journotommagill) July 31, 2015
Will I like it?
If you still gasp like a child at an amazing trick or enjoy being bewildered beyond belief, then yes. This show needs to redress its gender imbalance – surely the days where women’s role in magic is to purely be described as “glamorous assistants” is long over? – but it undeniably makes for an evening of mind-boggling fun.
Impossible is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre until 29 August. You can book tickets through us here.