|
|
Merlin’s Secret
The Regent Centre, Christchurch, Dorset
December 23rd 2005
Reviewed by Nick Ralls
Combine
the real magic associated with the mythical character Merlin and the
modern day theatrical showmanship of illusionist and conjurer Dr Bondini
and you have a formula for an enchanting and truly magical stage show.
The touring Merlin’s Secret features many of Bondini’s grand stage
illusions and other magical effects which bring a unique flavour to a
favourite fantasy tale. It’s a theatrical experience that is a delight to
behold and will surely attract rave reviews up and down the country.
Philip Malcolm Bond, or Bondini as he is known in the magic world, should
be proud that once again he has succeeded admirably in bringing back the
spectacle and glamour of the big magical mystery show to mainstream
theatre.
And what better vehicle for his art than to use the Arthurian setting as
he personally switches from the characters of Merlin, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, the Green Knight and Horatio the court jester to display his
slick magical routines. Wonderful costumes, beautiful sets and brilliant
theatrical staging have been the hallmark of the Bondini shows and this
latest colourful production is true to form and never disappoints.
Eye catchingly attired as court jester Horatio, complete with multi
coloured jester’s hat, Bondini demonstrates his superb magic presentation
skills with such classics as the pom poms, Merlin’s eight linking rings,
dove pan and change bag routines. His timing, stage presence and
entertainment value are at their best in this performance.
As Merlin he is able to produce the famous Bondini doves from thin air
which now become harbingers of harmony in the land of Camelot. And once
again Bondini has you booing, cheering and gasping as you and your fellow
audience members participate in the proceedings from start to finish. It
is an exciting and highly invigorating show to witness. Any worries that
so serious a subject as Arthurian legend might mean waving goodbye to some
of the familiar Bondini tongue in cheek humour can be quickly dispelled.
Bondini has lost none of his witty quips and his special comic sparkle is
as evident in this show as in his others.
Audience involvement reaches a peak when the evil sorceress Morgan Le Fay
is dragged into the sword cabinet to emerge unscathed and to live another
day. And so too do volunteers unsuccessfully compete with the character of
Arthur to pull the sword of Excalibur from the crystal rock in which it is
encased. It all makes for great theatre. A real treat. There are plenty of
appearances and disappearances in an appealing sequence of scenes with
Merlin educating Arthur in magic and swordcraft in the battle of good
against evil.
Merlin’s Secret is a very ambitious piece and in the wrong hands could
flop because of its complexity and its need for precision. But Bondini
pulls it off with apparent ease to produce a pure theatrical masterpiece
worthy of large audiences. It is evident that this polished performer laps
up every minute of his time on stage which attracts a rapturous response
from an appreciative audience. This is pure escapism and the audience love
it. The delight on their faces as they leave the theatre at the end of the
show says it all. Magical expressions reflecting a magical performance.
It is a show that solidly sticks in the memory. The music is hauntingly
powerful in places while always being highly atmospheric. The words ably
penned by writer and director Tim Heath are as potent as they are poetic
and the choreography simply first class.
Some considerable credit must go to the beautiful Erin Downton who
displays a wide range of performing talent in her various
characterisations including Guinevere and Morgan Le Fay. A great and
graceful dancer, Erin’s melodic tones and her skill performing the
floating Holy Grail illusion delight the audience.
Not only does she lend herself to fine performance but she is also the
young lady responsible for the choreography for the production. She is no
stranger to Bondini productions and contributes hugely to their success.
Erin is a magician’s assistant with formidable talent and versatility and
a career path that looks equally promising.
Bondini certainly surrounds himself with the finest talent. Louisa-Marie
Hunt as Gareth, who is predictably knighted by Arthur when the new king
marries his beloved Guinevere, produces a cracking good performance with
strong stage presence and the other player of some note is Daryll James as
Arthur. He produces a characterisation that is as witty as it is charming.
The very competent dancing skills of Carly Graves and Paul Templeman also
enhance this magical production.
Magic fans will love this performance for its demonstration of some great
classic magic, mastery of clever stage illusions and magical effects that
are awesome. But it is also a treat for all theatre lovers and, indeed,
those who relish great fantasy. Like the other Bondini shows, it appeals
to all ages and is pure delight. Let’s hope that the Bondini stage show is
no secret to those who love theatrical magic at its very best.
© Nick Ralls, December 2005