ACT I (The Concise Version)
Matricks Illusion is known for touring their shows throughout theatres in the UK and internationally. This popular act is also known for BGT and many other shows including their “Masters of Deception” theatre show with Richard Jones and Marc Oberon/The Oberons.
This show - “Reimagined” is their newest, starring magicians Alex Jesson, his sister Emily, and his wife Kelsie. A full-on touring stage show production featuring many amazing big stage illusions and magic unique to this show. A performance full of their own material and signature routines.
Magic and illusions are reimagined for this show (hence the show title) in an engaging and entertaining showcase of the very best in live magic. An interactive and fun show with lots of humour and amazement. As well as the big illusions, the show also includes circus-style performances, suspense, and some parlour magic.
Lasting approximately 2 hours, the show included a short interval at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. Good staging supported by excellent sound and lighting. Though a touring show, they still manage to pack in a lot of massive (and expensive) stage illusions/props.
Alex is a seasoned magician and showman with more than 20 years of experience, working with his sister performing their unique act. Alex demonstrates versatility throughout the show, showcasing many principles of magic including levitation, substitution and much more. All elements of the show being enhanced by Emily, Kelsie, and the team. If you want to see breathtaking magic, this is the show.
Worthy of a mention is also the dancing and general presentation bringing entertaining performances and show pieces. Some of the newer team members also have their own moments in the show and a memorable routine with Emily and Kelsie performing to music with light and sound was mesmerising.
The show finale is astounding and fun, drawing the show to a memorable conclusion with a curtain call with the entire team taking a bow.
A very enjoyable show which is highly recommended. If you are a fan of magic or you are curious and wishing to see magic live, do book to see this act who constantly add new tour dates. I will certainly be booking to see their shows more regularly now.
INTERVAL
If this review has whet your appetite, think of this review as two acts. The concise version and then the Magic Seats Fan Boy edition.
"Magic Seats" reviews are spoiler free and no detailed show content is knowingly shared. General info about the show experience/production is discussed without detailing in-depth set content. The site's objective is to promote magic positively and keep this art alive in theatres.
ACT II (The Magic Seats Fan Boy Edition)
I first had the opportunity to watch Matricks Illusion perform a couple of months ago as part of the "Masters of Illusion" tour. An amazing show which I reviewed and very much enjoyed. It was so good that I encouraged my family to come with me on the 70-mile journey to Rickmansworth to see them in their latest show.
While they perform regularly, I had not had the opportunity to see them perform live until this year as many dates are on cruise ships and holiday parks. Thankfully, more and more UK theatre dates are now being added.
On arrival at the theatre, Matricks always have great merchandise on sale in the foyer. It’s a shame more magic acts don’t do the same. Magic fans do like their collectibles and opportunities to get signed items (or at least I do). Items on sale include signed framed photos, tour posters, caps, clothing, and other decent items including magic sets. An opportunity to get more Matricks related items to have on display in my office.
I managed this time to get a fab Matricks cap signed, tour posters, and additional signed playing cards (Kelsie and Emily) for my collection to join the signed Alex card which I already owned. I particularly love the cap signed by the three main performers which is now in a glass case on display in my office with other items. An extra bonus for me was Alex kindly grabbing a real massive show poster off the wall for me and signing it. A nice souvenir having the date, time and location of the actual attended show.
As well as the merchandise, another good thing is the way the team hangs back to meet and talk with the audience. A lovely touch, and they are generous with their time, allowing selfies and signing items. Ideal for getting merch signed.
All my family enjoyed themselves, and as I had booked early, we had secured front-row seats. VIP tickets were also available, offering extra perks including private meet-and-greets, etc.
Being at the front, we had plenty of opportunities to participate in the show in subtle ways. I even lent my iPhone that starred in one trick when teleported. Alex then took a photo on stage before handing the phone back. I was half expecting to get it hit with a hammer, so I got off lightly.
Those audience members who participated on stage are treated with respect and given gifts like signed posters for participating. If you’re near the front, you stand a good chance of being able to help if you want to and you volunteer. One lady was particularly funny on stage while helping with the "Grey Lady" set after the interval.
The use of colours throughout the show is noticeably important, with a few effects reliant on colour choices as part of the theme of the show.
Performance-wise, a couple of things may not have genuinely gone to plan on the night but the team remained focused and professional. The show was still amazing, and it’s the nature of magic sometimes that things can go wrong, but when it happened, it was just minor and all about how you deal with it. In those instances, the team worked with the situation, and moved on, and it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment.
There are many show highlights. For those in the know, I think I can get away with saying the Grey lady act after the interval, early Matricks, reimagined rings, and coloured sand. The Grey Lady (pic above of Alex with the Governess/Grey Lady) part of the performance particularly being supported by excellent narration, audio, and visuals to create the right atmosphere which was also fun. Then the early Matricks section had great visual props and what is a known illusion performed again in a new unique Matricks way that made it fresh to see performed. Great visuals and supporting story for that part.
At the end of the show, Alex and Emily perform together before one final very large and special illusion. An illusion for a touring show that is impressive and must take a bit of construction due to its size.
If you want to know more about Matricks Illusion, do visit their website (link at the end), which is very informative. It includes a shop, tour dates, and a great “about us” section including beginning photos and their history.
To learn more about Matricks Illusion, please visit:
Matricks Illusion is also nominated in the Magic Seats Recognition Awards 2024.
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