Half Derren Brown mind tricks and black magic show, half theatrical monologue, this 50-minute lock-in with John Faust is frighteningly good fun. The audience is put slightly on edge from the off, being asked to sign a waiver before entering, as the production would be using a type of hypnosis which would not put us ‘under’ but would make our minds impressionable. Creepy.
It generally creates a tense and electric atmosphere for the magic to take place, and Stone holds the attention of the audience with ease and enthusiasm
John Faust (Ian Harvey Stone) regales the audience with ideas of overlapping realities, the power of the mind and the hidden forces of good, evil and magic. Under the premise that Faust is on the run from the devil, aiming to escape the consequences of selling his soul, the audience is invited to join Faust in weaving magic and psychic connections in order to keep the devil outside the C Nova theatre studio. Completely interactive and immersive, this show invites the audience to take part in tricks and magic with Faust and with each other. Faust (Ian Harvey Stone) leads the audience through this collaborative experience with compelling and intriguing thoughts on reality, magic and dreaming.
Although the script occasionally stumbles into rather corny territory, it generally creates a tense and electric atmosphere for the magic to take place, and Stone holds the attention of the audience with ease and enthusiasm. The use of occasional strobe lighting and infrasonic sounds also adds to the suspense and excitement of the audience.
Do not be under any illusion; this show is not just a magic show with a bit of theatre thrown in. It truly is an all-consuming experience. Despite my determination to be sceptical I found myself constantly surprised and impressed by Stone’s brilliant magical escapades. There is no option but to take part, I have no doubt audiences will immensely enjoy themselves.
