A Kind of Magic, Multiple theatres (online) - ★★★ - Until June 13, 2020


A Kind of Magic is a kind of charming interactive show presented by the definitively charming Richard Essien, aka Magical Bones. Richard is a multi-talented performer familiar to many from Britain's Got Talent but here we only see his work as an up-close magician. This is a highly laudable attempt to bring live entertainment to us whilst theatres remain closed. Not only do we have Magical Bones, but also no less than four other acts crammed into a little less than one hour. It was a little obvious that this is a new concept and we're sure that it will pick up the pace as it continues; all of his tricks worked and were impressive – especially what seems to be his signature work with Rubik's cubes. The fact that this is all performed in close-up makes it all the more impressive. Guest magicians, Brendan Rodrigues and Magic Singh joined by aerialist Shelley Baker and body-popping dancer Brooke Milliner, bring elements of variety to the show but it is the interactive work by Magical Bones which is the mainstay of the experience. Richard has a delightfully laid-back approach, but we thought that a little more urgency and excitement would not go amiss. Hopefully, these elements will be incorporated as the medium, which is ideally suited to up-close magic, becomes more familiar to the performers.

 Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo by Sandra Vijandi.
 Our Score:  ☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until June 13, 2020
Available live online from participating theatres:

 The Pleasance Theatre, London
The Lowry, Salford
The Stables, Milton Keynes
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead
The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater
Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester
Kings Theatre, Portsmouth

 Various show times available at:
https://magicalbones.com/kind-magic/

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