Created by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, Now You See Me Live contains bona fide magic of the highest degree, guaranteed to astound. This spectacular stage production reimagines the Lionsgate franchise, eliciting a quality of awe rarely experienced beyond early childhood.
The first surprise appears mere seconds into the show, closely followed by an aerial escape, a jaw-dropping quick-change, explosive pyrotechnics, and a helicopter feat – all of which occur within the first five minutes. And it only gets better from there!
The Four Horsemen deliver danger, wonder, fun, and illusion with endless energy and flawless technique. Andrew Basso (The Illusionists) is a magician and escape artist who specialises in escapology. Gabriella Lester (Penn & Teller: Fool Us) is an award-winning magician who has appeared on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Pablo Canovas (The Illusionists) has established his reputation as a leading illusionist of artistic depth. Mathew Pomeroy (The Conjurors) is a world-class mind reader and master showman whose playful patter effortlessly mesmerises the crowd. Together, these four are a force to be reckoned with. Their unbelievable skill, expert delivery, and polished execution set this show apart from any other.
Replete with humorous theatrics, Now You See Me Live is more than a series of back-to-back illusions. The Four Horsemen break physics with feats of teleportation and examples of reverse entropy (infinite drinks hack?). Portal-hopping, mathe-magic, and a spit-take-with-a-sting feature alongside evidence of time travel and proof of liminal spaces.
One unique moment (part game show, part standup) combines audience participation with mild corporate roasting to great comedic effect. Another act merges technology with real-life in a well-timed dance of reality-bending that blurs the boundary between physical and digital realms.
Illusion designer Enzo Weyne is known for technically ambitious amalgamations of theatrical storytelling and immersive visual design, and this show is no exception. From the explosive danger of a safe-escape to the jeopardy of a live scorpion, even hardcore magic enthusiasts will scratch their heads multiple times. Attempts to deconstruct the turns will only reinforce respect.
Houdini fans will appreciate a particular narrative tangent, followed by Andrew Basso’s heartstopping take on the most dangerous escape act in magic history – the water torture cell – complete with heavy chains and handcuffs. The act itself – unlike Houdini’s version – is not performed behind a curtain, but in full view of the audience.
The show’s sole moment of silence is deafening, rising to a low hum as a captive Basso descends into the water. Evocative lighting and sound design emulate an impression of submergence as the pressure builds, both literally and figuratively. This climactic high-stakes moment is a feat most magic show audiences will never have the good fortune to witness performed in quite this way.
The set design could be described as having a ‘showbiz industrial’ vibe, complete with the presence of an onstage videographer (Martin Hopkins) who captures the magic in realtime, feeding closeups and alternative angles to a massive on-stage screen. This infuses the electric atmosphere of live magic with the attentional direction of film, revealing that anything is possible, and that “the closer you look, the less you see.”
Hugo Mercier Bosseny’s artistic vision for the lighting design functions on more than just an aesthetic level. It translates meaning, conveys tone, and directs attention, working in perfect harmony with every other element.
Similarly, Evan Duffy’s suspenseful score embeds the aural tone of the films into the stage production, emphasising inflection points and building dramatic tension with atmospheric flair.
Costume designer Eugene Titus channels the essence of the source material while meeting the demands of live theatre and magical practicality, with noticeable nods to the films.
Prestidigitation aficionados and newcomers to the artform will be equally enthralled by the live iteration of this well-beloved franchise. The show’s family-friendly format doesn’t dilute the captivation factor, which is further enhanced by the fast-paced structure that gives this show a broad appeal. Perth’s opening night audience was visibly blown away, expressing their enthusiasm with extended applause and a standing ovation.
Pro tip: Try to get a front row seat if you like to be part of the action. If this isn’t possible, don’t despair. The entire audience can participate to an extent, as long as you play your cards right. Which you will (no doubt to your own amazement) under the guiding hands of The Four Horsemen.
This two-hour spectacle builds to a surprisingly emotional crescendo. Layered messaging underlines the importance of working magic into someone else’s day, whether that be through a name written on a card, an item placed in a mysterious box, or some other method of uplifting a fellow human. You will walk away from this show determined to cherish every moment of your own magical dash.
Now You See Me Live is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for families of all ages, would-be time travellers, and anyone hoping to reignite a dormant sense of wonder.
Now You See Me Live runs until 1 February at the Crown Theatre Perth. Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100.
Tickets are available here!
Website: https://www.nowyouseemelive.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/nowyouseemelive/
Photo credits: Cameron Grant, Parenthesy
