"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.
"A slick and well-received stage show which culminated in three standing ovations. Steven Frayne (Dynamo is dead) takes the audience on a journey where he reflects on his career, life's challenges, and his illness while examining magic, tricks, and illusions. Demonstrating why he is one of the world’s leading magicians, he performs close-up magic while showcasing his skills to handle playing cards (cardistry), coins, signature moves, and much more. Throughout, Steven adds excellent narration and storytelling during this mesmerising show, while conveying a very sincere and vulnerable side of being human when talking about more personal subject matter. He leaves you with no doubt that he is genuinely enjoying himself on stage and that he is most passionate about sharing and creating magical experiences for all present. A confident and perfect set that was well received by a very receptive audience who are pleased to see Steven back on stage. Breathing new life into close-up magic with heavy influence from Steven's/Dynamo’s street magic roots. The Underbelly Boulevard performance space/theatre setting in Soho is perfectly intimate and likely provides fantastic views for all during this very interactive show. The best and most entertaining of all the magic shows that I have witnessed which will be hard to beat, setting a new standard and expectation for others to achieve. Steven highlights throughout his set why he has gained the high levels of success. Don’t pass up on the opportunity to see Steven (aka Dynamo is dead) perform at close range. The must-see magic show of 2025!"
Magic Seats (Martin Brophy)
Being a dedicated magic review site, it would be criminal if I did not expand on the show experience, while always keeping the write-up spoiler-free. The initial short review has to be expanded as I am reviewer of magic. I promise that there are no spoilers and I will therefore focus on the general experience and artistry that Steven demonstrates.
The Magic Seats website has been lucky to meet, interview, and review many performers and magic shows. As this site is five years old, it did not exist when Steven performed as Dynamo in arenas. Finally, after a very long wait, Steven Frayne (Dynamo is dead) excited all fans of magic when he announced a new stage show earlier this year. Finally, this site would get to review Steven perform live rather than just talk about his TV shows. Even more exciting was that the show would be taking place at an intimate venue called Underbelly Boulevard in Soho. A residency that currently will currently last from 28 March through to 11 May, comprising evening and matinee shows.
Booking the tickets was very straightforward and quick, and I was able to purchase on release day. While I would have loved to attend the first show, logistically as I am Midlands-based, it made sense to book for the second performance of the show, which happened to be a matinee. If you do not already have tickets, do book as shows will sell out. These are his first public shows since the Dynamo “Seeing is believing” arena tour that started in 2015 and finished a few years later. Ticket costings are very reasonable for what turns out to be an extremely high-quality and good-value show offering.
After waiting and hoping for a long time that I would one day get the opportunity to see Steven perform, the day finally came, and I was so excited I did not sleep much the night before. I wondered if any opportunity would arise to meet him as well as see the show. Was I going to be lucky and perhaps get an opportunity to be involved as an audience member? Or perhaps meet to get a selfie and a signed playing card? As many of my magic friends have met Steven, would I finally get my chance? While I had been to conventions where he was present, I had not been lucky to date.
The Underbelly Boulevard location was very easy to find, and it is in an ideal setting with an on-site restaurant and bar and other nearby restaurants. The auditorium is open from 30 minutes before the show, with many arriving early. Once the venue is ready, staff are well organised in greeting guests and helping them with seating. The venue itself is very well presented and has an amazing theatre with a flexible seating layout to accommodate different show requirements, which provides amazing sight lines to see the stage. I was lucky to be on the third row from the stage, and I had an excellent view. The stage layout is dark and simple with a large screen for audio/visuals, which also would assist with additional close-ups of the action. An ideal setup for close-up magic with all the staff being friendly, helpful, and polite.
There was an exciting buzz in the venue when waiting for the show to start, with most likely having booked for this show on the day of release to secure an early viewing of the show. This in itself made the experience very special as the audience was full of fans of Steven and magic. It goes without saying that I knew in advance that I would enjoy the experience, but when you regularly watch magic shows and carry out reviews, it takes something very special to blow your mind with excitement. I tend to see a lot of material that is excellent but may not be unique and at best just presented in an original way. I can safely say this show is unique and very original to Steven, and the experience did blow my mind. It will be forever memorable and one of my biggest magic experiences ever.
I had hoped that there would have been merchandise on sale as I like collecting show items. While disappointing, I suspect that there are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the venue is small, so while not impossible, it could create challenges. And of course, while the venue is busy and I am sure will benefit from the residency, I quickly understood that this show is not a cash grab. This is Steven sharing a special opportunity for fans. The takeaway is the memories (rather than a show programme) and the level of interactivity that becomes apparent as the show progresses.
The show started promptly when scheduled, and Steven was, of course, greeted by a very enthusiastic audience. A show that while scripted and working to a predetermined set, will definitely provide a unique performance at each show as Steven works with the crowd to provide interactivity. Of note was one family on the balcony whereby the children had created a banner that was on display, and this led to Steven commenting and later providing them with an opportunity to participate in the show.
While I cannot adequately convey how exciting it was to be in the venue watching the show, it is obvious that Steven was genuinely touched by the love from his audience that he equally returns in very special ways, which I will explain as this write-up progresses. After a period of widely documented ill health when he was unable to perform, he is back and doing what he loves. The main difference this time is that he has now buried his alter ego Dynamo live on TV in 2023 and is now performing as himself. Rumoured to be the start of many show dates that may tour (unconfirmed and perhaps parties being hopeful), this is a close-up show in a small venue rather than an arena. A limited residency run that you should not miss out on, as of course, these are the only dates currently available.
As always, my reviews have to be spoiler-free, but what I can tell you is that Steven is at the top of his game. I make no apologies for being gushing in this write-up as he performs to such a high standard; I am unlikely to see anything quite like this again. Many magical memories were created on attending this show, and it was a special day for me and anyone else in attendance. He is a true master of cardistry, sleight of hand, and performance that requires much practice and skill. Set pieces performed only come about through skill and effort that very few can achieve.
I have never seen a show that demonstrates this level of cardistry, and for those not in the know, Google defines it far more eloquently than I can as "a performance art that involves manipulating playing cards to create visually impressive and intricate patterns, movements, and displays, focusing on skill and dexterity rather than magic tricks."
I couldn’t believe my eyes as the reality dawned that I was sitting and watching this master at work. Very entertaining and a show that works through many of the principles of magic during an approximate show time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. A decent length of time to see Steven work through many performance pieces, which includes some of his signature street magic and the performance style of Steven rather than Dynamo. The cardistry to music is impressive, and when performing, he constantly amazed. He is also very funny and he had everyone laughing a lot. Working the audience, if you are seated in a position with easy access to the stage, like the front row or at the end of a row facing centre to the stage, you stand a very good chance of being involved. Those lucky enough to be picked will no doubt have exciting memories, and some even gained, let’s just say, free souvenirs of their experience and some generous giveaways for some lucky individuals. As a matinee, many children were in the audience, and Steven attempts to instill as much magic into their lives as possible. Younger audience members located near the front definitely stand a good chance of getting involved if they wish to participate. But equally, many opportunities for adults are also available.
Like all good things, the show has to come to an end. Lighting, sound, and stage management were of a high standard, and Steven still had some further surprises. As the show drew to a close, he quite rightly received a few standing ovations and I was up on my feet quickly to applaud him. During what was the encore time of performance, Steven drew together many of the magical moments that occured during the show. He understandably wants to keep show content secret, so while of course encourages social media and reviews, he wishes all to avoid any spoilers. The best description to capture the audiences satisfaction at the end of the show was that we became quite American in our approach (rather than our usual British reserve) to convey our pleasure of his performance.
A nice surprise was that for this show, Steven came out to meet anyone who wanted to say hello and have a photo in the bar area. This was as far as I am aware an unscheduled appearance, so I cannot say if this just happened as one of the first shows or whether it will always happen. I expect and view it as an extra bonus and may just be the luck of the draw. If I am honest, while I am sure Steven will want to be generous with his time, venue limitations may have to apply as it was busy, and many wanted the opportunity to meet him and say hello and thank him.
When entering the bar, I was lucky to shake Steven's hand while he positioned himself in the best location to work through the crowd. As unplanned, a queuing system was not organised but it appeared to naturally develop when Steven positioned himself near the floor exit points, and then worked through those waiting. He efficiently worked through all who appreciated their moments with him. As well as shaking hands, I gained a few brilliant selfies and a special signed playing card. While I have a signed card as Dynamo (from a charity playing card deck that I think was called Moments), this one is extra special for my collection as of course was gained in person and personalised. I was also rather pleased with the selfies as I am not always the most photogenic person and I think these memories were captured nicely. During my brief conversation with him, I was able to share how I enjoyed the show and let him know I would be reviewing on this website.
This unexpected opportunity at the end of the show has made me and many other audience members very happy. Thank you to Steven for this unique experience. A perfect ending to a very special show, and if you can get tickets, just do it (booking info below this gallery). And while I did not get to participate during the show, gaining the selfies and card more than made up for that. His generosity giving to fans is a true inspiration, and while I have not suffered with the same illnesses, I understand personally his appreciation of the NHS and his desire to get on with life and recover to a new normal. A true gent and magic legend.
Thank you to Steven, his team, and all at the excellent and lovely staff at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho. No wonder that your location was chosen for this special event.
Please note: Rights to promo pictures featured in this review are held by Dynamo is dead and Underbelly Boulevard.
At the time of writing, Steven is currently performing a residency at UnderBelly Boulevard in Soho from the 28th of March through to 11th of May. A busy schedule of evening and some matinee performances. Don't miss out on what could be a rare opportunity to see him perform up close.
To learn more about Steven Frayne and to book to see this show, please visit:
UnderBelly
Comments