17 December 2015

Clowning around with The Illusionists 1903

| Ellen Harvey
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We have become accustomed to seeing “magic” in the movies, from flying elves to fantastical car chases and explosions so is there any room left for real magic in our lives?

Having seen the The Illusionists 1903 last night, I can say there most definitely is. I was transported back to my eight-year old self when I saw my first magic show with my younger sister. All the classic illusions were on show, from cutting someone in half, levitating balls (and people), to clairvoyants whose “vision” was infallible.

There was also some impressive slight of hand on show and beyond the illusions, there was some impressive juggling, a classic escape trick and a stoic bird named Dwayne.

However, it was the clowning around that really stole the show. The illusionists themselves were hilarious and engaging, and their interaction with the audience really added to the whole experience.

In a world that is ever harder to impress it was reassuring to see how simple illusions are still a source of wonderment for audiences young and old. Everyone needs some magic in their lives so get ready to be delighted and amazed by The Illusionists 1903.

Tickets are available now through Canberra Theatre Centre for the show’s run until 16 December.

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Ellen was a guest of Canberra Theatre Centre; however, opinions are her own.

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watto23 said :

Kalliste said :

watto23 said :

I’m going tonight. Who says there are not things to do in Canberra. Also looking forward to the return of the spiegeltent in February I think.

While this is something to do in Canberra, you have to spend at least $80 (per adult) to do so which isn’t within everyones budget.

I am going on Saturday night but it took me a few weeks of consideration as to whether I wanted to spend $100 on a few hours entertainment.

Well there is no winning as consumers/citizens. If the government spends money to bring affordable events to Canberra people will complain. If a company brings an event to Canberra the tickets are too expensive. Agree its not within everyones budget, however given the crowds, there seems to be enough willing to pay to see the show. I’d been wanting to go see the Illusionists the past few years in Sydney and Melbourne, but the cost of travel put me off, so I’m glad we have the option to see the show here in Canberra

I know many people who baulk at the cost of tickets to events like this, but don’t seem to baulk at the cost of a few drinks every friday night, or going to the cinema. Its up to the individual to prioritise what they spend money on, I don’t tend to go to the cinema much any more and save my money for events like this.

That said I thought the show was well worth attending. The levitation trick was amazing. Not a fan of juggling etc. as its not really magic and seen it all before, but quite a few of the tricks were very well done.

If you thought those illusions were great, wait until you see the light rail!

Kalliste said :

watto23 said :

I’m going tonight. Who says there are not things to do in Canberra. Also looking forward to the return of the spiegeltent in February I think.

While this is something to do in Canberra, you have to spend at least $80 (per adult) to do so which isn’t within everyones budget.

I am going on Saturday night but it took me a few weeks of consideration as to whether I wanted to spend $100 on a few hours entertainment.

Well there is no winning as consumers/citizens. If the government spends money to bring affordable events to Canberra people will complain. If a company brings an event to Canberra the tickets are too expensive. Agree its not within everyones budget, however given the crowds, there seems to be enough willing to pay to see the show. I’d been wanting to go see the Illusionists the past few years in Sydney and Melbourne, but the cost of travel put me off, so I’m glad we have the option to see the show here in Canberra

I know many people who baulk at the cost of tickets to events like this, but don’t seem to baulk at the cost of a few drinks every friday night, or going to the cinema. Its up to the individual to prioritise what they spend money on, I don’t tend to go to the cinema much any more and save my money for events like this.

That said I thought the show was well worth attending. The levitation trick was amazing. Not a fan of juggling etc. as its not really magic and seen it all before, but quite a few of the tricks were very well done.

watto23 said :

I’m going tonight. Who says there are not things to do in Canberra. Also looking forward to the return of the spiegeltent in February I think.

While this is something to do in Canberra, you have to spend at least $80 (per adult) to do so which isn’t within everyones budget.

I am going on Saturday night but it took me a few weeks of consideration as to whether I wanted to spend $100 on a few hours entertainment.

I’m going tonight. Who says there are not things to do in Canberra. Also looking forward to the return of the spiegeltent in February I think.

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