Impossible theatre review: An absolute blast from start to finish; a definite highlight of the summer, recommended for all ages.
Luis De Matos in Impossible in London’s West End
Playing at the famous Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End for 5 weeks only is the ensemble magical phenomenon that is Impossible; a collection of eight world-class magicians delivering just what the title suggests – Impossible magic tricks that will have your jaw hitting the floor from start to finish.
Told through the eyes of a young child discovering a magical cube, Impossible features TV escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, mind-reader Chris Cox, magician Ben Hart, self-proclaimed digital marvel Jamie Allan, sleight of hand genius Ali Cook, and grand illusionist Luis De Matos from Portugal.You may be thinking that there are only six listed there, but in our press performance, the billed female sorceress Katherine Mills was absent, and street magician Damien O’Brien only appeared in the opening introduction and the curtain-call; which was very odd.
Jamie Allan in Impossible in London’s West End
The show is directed by Anthony Owen, a producer on many of television marvel Derren Brown specials, and evidence of the theatrical marvel of Brown’s stage shows is definitely evident here. Bolt onto that Michael Bradley‘s thumping score, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful Las Vegas style magical extravaganza.
A clear stand-out in this limited show is British daredevil Jonathan Goodwin (he of Dangerman: The Incredible Jonathan Goodwin fame), who delivers a 21st century take on the William Tell fable involving his wife Katie, as well with a hair-raising escape from a straight jacket which sees his lower half set on fire. Also excellent is the modern magic of Jamie Allan who employs the use of technology to assist most of his on-stage illusions. His use of four iPads in his first trick, and lasers in a new vision of the classic saw-a-woman-in-half routine, a little later on, absolutely delights.
Jonathan Goodwin in Impossible in London’s West End
The self-proclaimed non-mind reader Chris Cox brings most of the laughs to the proceedings, and involves his audience in all of his mind-bending magic, as does the world-class grand illusionist Luis De Matos, whose wonderful first half card trick and second act audience-involving four-card illusion, are definite highlights. Bolt onto this the wonder of Ali Cook‘s baffling human-swapping transportation skills, and young magician Ben Hart‘s intricate close-up magic, and you’ve got a definite crowd-pleaser that leaves even the most hardened non-believer astounded.
Impossible is an absolute blast from start to finish; a definite highlight of the summer, recommended for all ages.
Impossible is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End until August 29th.
