Review: NOW YOU SEE ME LIVE, London Coliseum
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Who knew it would just take some gargantuan lights and pumping, foreboding music to get a crowd hyped up? The producers of Now You See Me Live certainly got the memo! We are introduced to the show by Rafferty Coope (recently seen on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent) with a quick trick and some audience participation. Then the show truly begins. Over the next few hours, each specialist performs a trick or two as we head the big finale. Now You See Me Live is a bona-fide magical spectacular based on the blockbuster franchise of the same name.
If you've seen a magic show before, you'll understand the concept. A barrage of illusions, sleight of hand and big set-pieces. Where Now You See Me Live differs is in pure spectacle. The gigantic lights and dramatic music combine in a pleasing manner to coax gasps from the willing audience. There's humour, shocks, and questions of 'How did they do that?!?' from a very game audience.
The younger members in the auditorium are enthralled and invested, shouting out to the magicians as they are left spellbound in their seats. The 'manipulator' (Eden Choi) is an absolute highlight and a joy to watch. It's one thing witnessing tricks at home on TV or online, but it's something entirely different watching the magic unfold live. The years of training and practice are evident and it is showcased fully.
For a trick to work well, and for a magician to be be believable, the most important factor is confidence. It's half the battle, if an audience doesn't believe you, no-one will and these 'horseman' have all of the swagger and aura to convince even the biggest sceptic. The showmanship displayed by the performers is as large a part of the show as the tricks themselves.
Another stunning highlight is the ode to Houdini - without spoiling too much here - a classic of his is reimagined and is mesmerising to witness live. The whole spectacle is nail-biting. With elements taken from classic tricks but revolutionised here to bring it into a contemporary setting.
Combining household names from talent shows and established international stars works very well and appeals to a larger spectrum of people. Now You See Me Live intelligently features a specialist in escapology, sleight of hand, illusion and mind-reading to fuse together to become the 'horsemen'. As good as the magicians are individually, when they come together for the final spectacular, it creates true magic on stage. The grandiose nature of the conclusion works well to neatly put a bow on top of the whole show.
An almost perfect production that has so much pageantry and spectacle that the smaller elements are bound to look not as impressive in comparison. One slight issue is the confused theming; referenced sporadically throughout is a heist element, however it appears and disappears at random intervals. A strong concept running throughout the whole show would bring all of the acts together and help create a consistent performance. Nevertheless, these are minor gripes against an otherwise spellbinding production.
Now You See Me Live is big-budget sensation that when the trick lands, creates an amazing sight leaving the audience astonished. A bombardment of spectacular illusion, intelligent sleight of hand and mammoth visuals that combine to create an unforgettable evening of magic.
Seeing is believing.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe
Now You See Me Live plays at the London Coliseum until 6 September, with tickets available here.
