The magic is back – with a fiery twist / SET TO GO / WEEKEND REVIEW /

But by combining some of the world's most innovative and exciting magicians from a range of disciplines with with pyrotechnics, dancers and a live band the age-old art has been redefined.

Mr Macrae wooed the spell-binding show here from Australia, where it opened at Sydney Opera House in January 2012 with the entire season sold out before it began.

It opens with a little mentalism which sees leading British mind reader Philip Escoffey tell the whole audience what they're thinking.

The Trickster Jeff Hobson, billed as one of the most in-demand comedy magicians, is the highly entertaining host, charming the audience with his quick wit and old-fashioned tricks – the three ropes and egg and bag gags are familiar classics but still manage to intrigue.

Simply baffling

Anti-Conjurer Dan Sperry is a master of the sleight of hand, swallowing a lifesaver lolly then excising it through his throat with a piece of dental floss. And what the gothic-styled artist (think Edward Scizzor-hands) can do with doves is simply baffling.

Escapologist Andrew Basso, trapped upsided down and handcuffed in a tank of water, makes a Houdini-styled escape with a bobby pin.

The Enchantress Jinger Leigh performs an impressive levitation and her husband, The Gentleman Mark Kalin, later saws her in half, overseen by two members of the audience holding the straps that tie her down.

If that wasn't enthralling enough, The Inventor Kevin James chainsaws a person in half then staples him back together.

For the finale, Mr James turns a wet napkin into a snow storm that covers the audience. It's hard not to be wonder-struck.

Four-piece LA band 'Z' keep the tricks and feats lively, playing jazz, rock and hip-hop style beats to compliment the action on stage. Lead vocalist Eddie Cole is the nephew of jazz icon Nat "King" Cole.

For many of the magicians – big names in their own right – it was a smart move to join forces under the vision of executive producer Simon Painter.

The rivalry adds another dimension to their slick, fast-paced performances.

With comedy, spectacle and audience participation, The Illusionists entertain for a thrilling two hours.

Mr Macrae says New Zealand hasn't staged a large magic show before and that the show is bringing in a new audience who are not regular ticket buyers.

"In this instance, it's dads and sons who might traditionally go to see sport that are coming along."

The Illusionists performs at The Civic until June 2.

It moves on to Brazil in June before making its European debut in London's West End in October.