Ian Kendalls new show looks back to the magic tricks of yesteryear, before camera tricks and tv magic, between 1850 and 1930, when magicians were the rock stars of the day. These tricks are mixed with Kendalls humour and anecdotes about the men who made them famous.
Given that most of these illusions need a foil, Kendall has to engage directly with the audience and, of course, have some audience members to help him on stage. This is where the show rises above the norm: Kendall is both commanding and friendly, and has his banter down to a t. The Aviary at the Zoo is the idea space for this it has the banked seating that is needed to see what hes doing with his hands, and is intimate enough to allow the atmosphere to be built. An excellent touch is his use of a recording of a contemporary account of one of classic trick by a young girl to guide us through what he is doing.
Thanks a slightly late start, and to Ians anecdotes and interactions with the audience, we are running a little over time. Always the considerate host, he asks if anyone has a show to be getting to, and I pipe up that I have to be at a 10 pm show. After politely saying that Im free to go, he convinces me to stay, and the next thing that I know Im up on stage. To speed things up he runs the final Chinese rings trick at extra speed, adding to the amusement of the crowd, letting me make my show. Touches show us what a consummate professional and experienced performer he is.
There were a lot of families at the show, and it is a great night out for all ages. So treat the kids and let them stay up late to be amused and amazed by this slick, stylish sleight of hand.
