It wasn’t perfect, but it did the trick. And overall, there was hardly any disillusionment. Yet, a good array of acts is not enough to exempt a production from criticism. Especially if the structure is faulty. Before you jump to conclusions, I’ll make clear that I actually enjoyed it. And chances are you will too. But the problems are noticeable. And unlike in their performances, these issues won’t go away just by waving a magic wand.
For those unaware of the show’s life- or even its existence -, The Magician’s Table has returned to the London scene, relocating its headquarters from London Bridge to the Waterloo Vaults. Last night, members of the theatre community were welcomed into a lavish housewarming party celebrating the art of prestidigitation. And it’s fair to say they all played their cards right.
A mixture of cabaret and immersive theatre, the production takes audiences into a misty underground casino, where croupier counters fill the space, serving as private stages for each group of viewers. Nobody gets the same rendition. Nor does each bunch meet with the exact same set of illusionists. It’s part of the magic. For better and for worse. And despite the blemishes, which I shall cover later, I can only qualify their execution as spellbinding.
Live magic is already impressive enough, as long as it doesn’t go wrong (although that depends on who’s inside that sawed-off box). This show takes that amazement to a whole new level. And it keeps it up for the most part.
Witnessing such stunning legerdemain up close, involving all the spectators, is nothing but mind-blogging. There are no opportunities for onstage distractions. There is no support coming from behind the wings. And there are certainly no secret accomplices helping make the impossible possible.
From soda cans that suddenly contain the random drink a guest chooses to decks ordered to someone’s liking without any shuffling, each number brings an element of uniqueness and surprise to what, instead, could have easily been a rather repetitive experience of a somewhat worn-down craft.
By now, you may be wondering what the flaws are if everything seems to be so incredible. The answer is simple: it’s just a matter of balance. And also seamlessness, both of which are the great forgotten of the night. The production blends crowd-aimed renditions with customised segments, but with no apparent understanding of pacing, buildup, and organisation.
Unavoidably, the result is a bit messy. Although all the numbers are compelling, the show isn’t as effective altogether. The lack of polish in that department is evident. And that slight sense of incompletion keeps cementing as it progresses.
The venue’s noise problems are another obstacle. One that shouldn’t be ignored for too long. It can get extremely loud in that room. And the fact that sometimes it’s almost impossible to make out what the performer is saying, even though they are literally standing two feet away from their audience (tops), shouldn’t be taken as an overstatement — but a desperate call to action.
Other than that, there’s a lot to praise about The Magician’s Table, which is admittedly one of the most awe-inspiring offers of their kind populating the London scene at the moment. Despite some critical difficulties, this assortment of truly astounding talent is bound to make even the biggest sceptics question their disbelief. And my crystal ball foresees a successful run.
Help us continue our work
We count on your support to keep bringing the greatest quality in theatre-related content, from interviews with the biggest names in the industry to reviews of every show in town and beyond.
We appreciate every donation to maintain our high pace and standards and continue to grow.
Thank you for believing in us!
***************************************************
The Magician’s Table plays at The Vaults London from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets are available on the following link.