The closer you look, the less you’ll see.
The Four Horsemen truly demonstrated that not everything is as it seems at the spectacular illusionist stage show, 'Now You See Me Live', inspired by Lionsgate’s worldwide blockbuster film franchise.
Utilising every corner of QPAC’s Concert Hall, the show was a whirlwind of entertainment, illusions, explosive escapes, and mind-boggling time travel, leaving the audience speechless throughout the entire two-hour performance.
Opening with the best kinds of introductions, ones with spectacle, awe and a helicopter, we met each of the Horsemen as they demonstrated each of their specialties. We initially met the ever-engaging and hilariously talented Matthew Pomeroy, who was absolutely the stand-out of the show. From the moment he came on to the stage, he worked with the audience, stumbling over mishaps as if they were fuel for his bit, and barely taking a breath between card tricks, illusions and all-round entertainment. His wit and quick tricks kept the audience holding their breath, laughing out loud, and gasping, often all within just a few minutes!
Pomeroy then introduced his fellow magicians, including Pablo Cánovas whose suave humour and smooth talking prepared the audience for some of the most mind-boggling illusions on the stage! His spell-binding mastery included (but was absolutely not limited to) time travel and unbelievable disappearing acts, where his reappearance was simply met with his calm persona, cheeky grin, and a ‘magicians never share their secrets’ assurance.
A simple card trick, resulting in hundreds of torn cards being strewn across the theatre, ended the first act in awe as the magicians worked together to somehow find the right card for every single audience member in attendance. The result? An intermission buzzing with excitement, as the audience tried to crack the code, work out how on earth they did it, and anticipate what was to come.
And oh, what was to come!
Alongside Pomeroy and Cánovas was the youngest of the four Horsemen, Gabriella Lester. The current-day Houdini showed off her smooth escape skills, as well as her dazzling stage presence as she made things disappear, reappear, and completely change in a blink of an eye. Accompanied by explosives and locked safes, she wowed the audience continuously, without ever getting a hair out of place. She stole the show, and truly proved the title of Horseman.
Last, but absolutely not least, Andrew Basso blew audiences away with his death-defying escapes, despite his ever-calm and completely charming presence every time he came out on stage. You’d never guess, from the way he captivated the audience, that he was about to completely take their breath away. Audible gasps continuously filled the room, and jaws dropped as quickly as they were picked up as Basso mesmerised every attendee, all afraid to look away even for a second.
'Now You See Me Live' was the most engaging, entertaining, and enthralling illusionist show that QPAC has ever seen. With audience members ranging from younger kids to elder attendees, there was truly something for everyone, and not a single person walked out of the theatre the same. Not only did it make everyone laugh and gasp, it also inspired and encouraged, pulling on the idea that life is meant for more than just living, it’s for connecting with others, following your dreams, and doing what you love. The show ended with home videos and childhood images of each of the magicians from the moment they knew that this is what they wanted to do with their life, before they performed the most mind-blowing trick of the show just as the curtain closed.
'Now You See Me Live' – an exceptional show that will have you second guessing everything – nothing is as it seems, and you’ll just have to see it to believe it!
