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Magic Thamed Returns
Reviewed by
Brian Dodridge
It is not often these days that one can see a full evening of magic at a real
theatre. So it was a rare treat to attend “Magic Thamed Returns” at the Thame
Players Theatre starring HCMS professional members Richard Young and Sam Strange
with their special guest Paul Megram.
There were no dancers, singers, ventriloquists or other associated speciality
acts, just wall to wall magic for the full two hour show. Yet the quality and
variety of the magic was such that the sell out audience remained enthralled,
mystified and thoroughly entertained throughout. Although not specifically a
children’s show there were of course children of all ages present and from where
I was sitting they were completely absorbed by the whole show.
I particularly liked the informality which was evident at the outset when even
before the show began members of the audience were invited to step onto the open
stage and inspect the props of the first illusion, the Cardboard Box
Penetration. Richard and Sam were casually dressed and had a very modern
approach to their magic with a great sense of fun. The rapport between them was
easy going, relaxed and highly amusing. Although they have been together for
only a short period I sense a great future for them if they continue to develop
the double act.
The magic was mystifying, spectacular and amusing – what more could you ask? In
many ways it was an illusion show interspersed with smaller, but nonetheless
entertaining, magic. Among these was a brilliant mental routine using many books
given out to the audience and ending with the production of a bowling ball!!
This routine was fast moving and contained many feats of mind-reading. There was
a smashed and restored borrowed watch routine, a hilarious “bandana” comedy
routine, plus Sam’s card manipulations and Richard’s spooky tissue and paper
flower levitations.
Paul Megram was an excellent choice of special guest with a great variety of
amusing and baffling effects, including much fun with a Smoke Drum, a Card to
Ceiling achieved at the first attempt and a Chair Suspension using a young lad
from the audience. Paul’s many years as a professional magician showed in his
assured interaction with the audience.
However, the outstanding feature of the show has to be the illusions which were
scattered throughout both halves of the programme. These were both spectacular
and mystifying and caused gasps of astonishment from an enthralled audience.
Included amongst the illusions were a Chair Vanish, Passage through a large high
speed industrial fan and a Shrinking Box illusion. All these illusions were
being performed in a small intimate theatre just a few feet from the audience
which to my mind made the presentations even more effective. The final effect
was the Spirit Cabinet very well performed in the traditional way but leading to
the show’s finale when appearing in the Spirit Cabinet was Paul Megram mounted
on a full size Harley-Davidson motorbike!
Richard and Sam are hoping to take this show to the Edinburgh Festival. If they
do I predict it will be a smash hit. If you get the chance to see them, do so,
you won’t be disappointed.
A quick commercial. Rich and Sam are, subject to professional commitments, due
to perform at our Annual Dinner on Friday, 13th May. Tickets are now available
(phone Brian Dodridge on 01635 876948 or see him at HCMS meetings).
© Brian Dodridge, February 2011