The latest instalment in Mischief Theatre's run of shows, Magic Goes Wrong, brings a wealth of performers to the stage under the guise of a charity benefit gig, the ‘Disasters in Magic Charity Fundraiser’.
As you've come to expect from its predecessors, the show doesn't go quite as smoothly as expected with a mix of physical and verbal comedy that really is at the top of its game. Being a huge fan of the other shows in the 'Goes Wrong' franchise, the chance to experience this production was set to be a dream.
One thing to note is that Magic Goes Wrong leans more towards the macabre than shows like The Play That Goes Wrong. There's numerous characters killed off and the suggestion of some physical injury, however - whilst maybe now one for very young children - there was a huge range of ages in the audience this evening who were wiping the tears of laughter from their eyes.
Over the last few months, one of the 'performers', The Mind Mangler, has been on so many stages by way of promotion that I think I'd cemented a vision of what the show would be in my mind. However Magic Goes Wrong offered so much more than that and had the audience in fits of laughter even before the curtain had gone up.
One thing that I think it's important to note is that, whilst the obvious premise of this show is for tricks and illusions to 'go wrong', the skill involved in getting that...well...right, are no laughing matter. Whether it's The Mind Mangler's senses, The Blade's lack of fear or Sophisticato's 'classic' illusions, all of our performers should be credited with some very well performed pieces, helped by a collaboration that brought the legendary Penn and Teller onto the creative team.
Sam Hill takes on the role of Sophisticato; a 'classic' magician who's desperate to honour his father's memory. Alongside him is The Mind Mangler (Rory Fairbairn) and The Blade (Kiefer Moriarty). As a trio, our leads play off each other very well, and whilst I think it's fair to say that some parts of the show are stronger than others, we move with ease from ripples of applause to ugly, belly laughs, most of which come from the physical comedy rather than the scripted sections.
This production is everything you want it to be and so much more. With a team who have excelled themselves in reigniting a love of magic for fans across the country, this is a show that the world needs right now. It celebrates everything that's great about British comediey and is yet another triumph from a uniquely tight-knit cast performing a well crafted and well-rehearsed piece of theatre. An absolute must-see.
Magic Goes Wrong plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 29th May 2022. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
