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Mike Wallis & Friends
St Georges Theatre, Great Yarmouth
26th June 2021
Reviewed by Steve Majes, Secretary, Anglian
Magic Society
The magic returns to Great Yarmouth and St Georges Theatre was the venue for a
unique variety show. Mike Wallis had gathered his talented friends for a sold
out socially-distanced show that had the audience entranced in a joyful journey
through Mike’s amazing career and the great friends he has made. An opening
monologue from Mike took us back to his roots and his encounter with Mr Punch,
displaying his original Punch and Judy puppets he entered a booth centre stage
for a skilful display and comical story from the famous couple. This 10 minute
revue left me wanting more, and received excited responses from the audience.
Then came the twist, Mike appeared from the wings revealing that the talented
performer in the booth was none other than Daniel Hanton, writer and illustrator
of the Punch and Judy book “Beside The Seaside”. Mike’s warm delivery of
excerpts and stories from his performing life gave a lovely narrative to the
show as he introduced his star performers.
Sam Christian's cheeky personality carried a hands off “choose a card” routine
that led into a surreal world of hamsters and swords, eventually impaling the
chosen card for the final applause.
Donimo, a busy international performer that you don’t often get to see in Great
Yarmouth was just outstanding. His visual comedy and emotive character portrayal
was clever, smooth and just hilarious. Such a talented performer!
Many would say Tallulah Twankey bears a striking resemblance to Mike Wallis,
which of course he strongly denies with a cheeky smile. Mike’s, sorry Tallulah’s
life is just one crazy set of comical events.
“Can you see his lips move” ventriloquist Potty Paul Henri, had his performing
partner, George T Monkey very close at hand, poking light-hearted fun at Paul
himself and the ups and downs the country has been through, this monkey didn’t
hold back! Paul played a few assisting roles throughout the show and his
friendship with Mike, as with all the performers, shone through.
Tracy TrickStar, a bright and stylish performer used her humour and modern
mystique to tell a magical tale or two that literally led us to a surprising
finish, she showed us she was impervious to solid steel, pushing it through her
own arm in a comical routine of instructions, and she danced with a magical silk
that really had a mind of its own! Her act concluded with a stunning ring
routine.
Chris North presented an excerpt from his theatre show “The Victorian Conjuror”.
A trip back to the magic of Victorian times, fast paced and still as mystifying
today. Chris presented vanishes, transpositions, confusing puzzles and a
gambling game that you just couldn’t win and finished with a charming tale of a
Victorian workhouse and a snowstorm that filled the stage. All very well
received by this mixed audience.
Olly Day is a master class in performance and personality. Taking to the stage
with song, comedy magic and stories that drawayou in and up the garden path as
only Olly can do. A true showman and a fitting climax to a marvellous show.
There was much applause and cheering as the whole cast took to the stage for
their final bow, Mike thanked all his friends and led the finale farewell with a
very heartfelt song. This really was a fabulous show and although the tag line
on the poster said “Definitely the very very last evening with Mike Wallis and
friends” I’m sure the stage, and the audience, will call upon Mike again.
All artistes donated their time and all proceeds were given to the St Georges
Theatre Trust.
© Steve Majes, Secretary, Anglian Magic Society