REVIEW: The Illusionists 2.0

The title of this follow-up to last year’s The Illusionists hardly primes one for an evening of especially original entertainment. But then, that’s the thing about franchises: you need to promise – and deliver – the same but different.

Not having seen the first instalment I can’t vouch for how closely 2.0 cleaves to that recipe for success, though a bit of research (aka googling) indicates the basic structure of the two shows is the same:  two hours-plus of seven performers who each specialise in a different variety of stage magic.

They also all sport a pretty dopey moniker meant to indicate their specific area of expertise.

There’s the Deceptionist (death-defying stunts); the Warrior (brandishing various weapons in close proximity to audience members); the Futurist (tech-based tricks); The Manipulator (elegantly choreographed card-based chicanery); the Unusualist (ventriloquism); the Master Magician (a bit of a grab bag, with signs of synonym fatigue); and one other chap whose handle I didn’t catch (camp music hall-inflected routines).

In other words, something for everyone, gussied up for these modern times with 3D screens (to better observe tricks up-close), laser lights (to prevent you getting too good a look), a thumping  soundtrack, and ye olde reliable standby, the smoke machine.

Personally, the shtick of the Deceptionist and Warrior left me cold, the faux sense of danger they tried to create beginning and ending in bathos to these jaded eyes.

The Manipulator’s control of an apparently inexhaustible supply of cards seemingly conjured from thin air was, on the other hand, breathtaking.

And the remaining four combined a sense of wonder with humour to enormously entertaining effect.

The large opening night crowd was loudly appreciative, and my daughters – aged 9 and 11 – were absolutely entranced, although also somewhat groggy by the time the lengthy show concluded. Time well spent, then.

Having attended with free reviewer tickets, though, it’s hard to tell if I would have felt it was also money well-spent. One less-than-magical aspect of the evening is the way in which it results in large quantities of cash disappearing from your wallet.

The Illusionists 2.0, The Civic, to September 13, followed by nationwide tour. Book tickets here.