Reviews...

ROB BARRON - HOPE FM

“The songs were performed superbly, all singers having excellent voices. The comedy magician was hilarious with plenty of 'laughing out loud'. Excellent value and a great night out.

"Fantastic. The ending just blew me away. A very enjoyable night."

Review, June 2007

GLITZ, glamour and the truly spectacular combined at The Playhouse, Weston, as Houdini - The Musical made it's world premiere. Professional producers Smile Productions launched the original and groundbreaking production at the theatre for a four night run last week, and it has all of the ingredients to become a huge success.

It was always going to be interesting to see how the character of Houdini and his illusions was fitted into a music and song, but writers and producers Jamie Alan Nicklin and Simon Mark Leigh managed the feat with a truly original show combining music, dance, drama and illusion. In fact it had everything you could ever want in one show.

Based on the life, loves and losses of the legendary Harry Houdini, the show featured some of the most magnificent illusions ever performed, a cracking original score, and excellent dance routines, particularly Tapper's Delight, choreographed by Marie Kay McCullough. The illusions left you in awe - the Crystal Pyramid, Dream Levitation, Metamorphosis were great, but the infamous Chinese Water Torture Cell was remarkable.

With Houdini trapped in a cell filled with two tonnes of water, escaping ridiculously quickly and to huge applause.
Another highlight was magician JC Cannell, who was played by Mark Siney - his magic tricks that kept going wrong were brilliant.
Sean K Andrews provided a strong stage presence and was excellent in the lead role of Houdini, a performance that was all the more remarkable when you consider not only did he have to do the singing and performing, but also the illusions as well.

Speaking after the show, Illusion and production consultant Paul Cooke said: "The show went fantastically well. The first night is always a nervous time for everyone involved in the show, and everyone in the company is extremely pleased with the way it went." The show is now touring 14 other venues, heading to London’s West End next year - and it deserves it's success.