magic show – Theatre Press

Modern-day magic with old-fashioned charm

By Jessica Cornish

A century and a half ago, séances, Ouija boards and magic tricks were all the rage – however, these days, entertainment usually comes in a slightly less mystical form than Impossible Occurrences.

Melbourne-born-and-based magician Luke Hocking brings us a glimpse of classic on-stage entertainment pre-television and internet. Dressed sharply in a traditional tuxedo, Luke performs a mix of magic standards and well-executed sleight-of-hand tricks as he conjures up the seemingly impossible in his sixty-minute performance.

Impossible Occurrences relied solely on the deft showmanship and award-winning skill of Luke, with lighting design and professional audio non-existent. In a venue seating a mere 45 people a night, this intimate performance is definitely a nice change from the usual theatrical night out where production values are sometimes better than the talent they are meant to be supporting.

The only issue with this venue choice is that because there is neither raked seating nor a raised stage area, it was sometimes difficult to see clearly the illusions unfolding. Luke did his best to ensure tricks were performed at an elevated level; however, a small rostrum would probably help those who are in the third row have a more pleasurable experience, in not having to cram their necks and constantly worry they’ll miss some exciting visual spectacle.

The show was well-structured, and clearly also well-crafted and executed. Notes were transformed into different values, marine creatures appeared from thin air, and crowd participation levels were extremely high throughout the whole night.

Luke Hocking‘s charmed and charming show is a refreshing change of atmosphere and a unique contrast to the usual entertainment available around Melbourne. Impossible Occurrences will be performed every Friday night until September 5 at the Marriott Hotel, corner of Lonsdale and Exhibition Streets. Make sure you book in advance for performances, as there is only limited seating available: http://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/3826689

From international television to their intimate live performance: make the time to see this

By Jen Coles

As a fan of magic, I was delighted to hear the Penn-and-Teller-fooling duo Morgan & West were coming to town. As time-travelling magicians from the past, Rhys Morgan and Robert West have prepared an hour to amaze and amuse every member lucky enough to be in the audience.

Featuring a lineup of traditional tricks such as the cup and balls (reinvented to have its own unique and hilarious twist), as well as their own magical inventions, the pair’s talent is incredible. Their chemistry together makes for some wonderful interplay to break up the show, and they also have a wonderful mastery of audience participation.

Due to the intimate nature of the Butterfly Club venue, the chances of getting picked were high, however the pair relaxed the audience, and made us excited to be a part of their fantastic show.

The pair, whilst having their own unique talents, also blend together well to create the notion of the ‘false reveal’. A supposed messed-up trick allowed the show to have a through-line with some build, and therefore the final payoff that ended the show was outstanding.

However, for a show that was so brilliant, it seemed sadly, a little too short as a one-hour block. West briefly demonstrated a talent with cards, and I would have liked to see more card magic in their program; the hour just flew by, and it was sad to see them go.

The fact that the pair happily shook hands with every audience member upon their exit sums up their performance style perfectly. Wonderfully charismatic and genuine gentlemen, Morgan & West light up the stage with a talent that clearly deserves a long career. We can only hope they tour here more often… or perhaps they can lend us their time-travel secrets to see the show once more.

Morgan & West: Time Travelling Magicians

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 204 Bank St, South Melbourne

Season: Fri 24th – Sat 25th, 10.30pm

Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com