After the successful U.S. run of his new show ‘Amaze’, critically acclaimed magician Jamie Allan makes his highly anticipated return to the UK.
‘Amaze’ delivers an evening of exciting and heart-warming entertainment! Centred around the childhood aspirations of magician Jamie Allan, he takes viewers on a journey, from his very first Fisher Price magic set to the trick that catalysed his career. It provides an interactive and engaging experience, in which audience members are included within. Allan recognises that magicians and their craft is complete with their audience along the journey.
Allan strays from pyrotechnic and acrobatic shock factor work and sticks to old-school tricks, with a few selected tech twists! His work truly thrills and amazes, leaving viewers chatting and theorising from the curtain close. Thoughtfully crafted from set to storyline, this performance reminds audiences of the real magic found in life through chance and fulfilment of lifelong dreams.
Within an intimate venue, Allan shares his private inspirations: surrounded by selected objects that contributed to who he has become. The set seems alike to an attic, with boxes and old toys. As the show progresses, the items disappear into storage, symbolic of the end of childhood and beginning of adulthood.
The show plays as a conversation between the audience and performer, as Allan narrates his personal story and where his magic tricks originate from, before demonstrating them live. He illustrates his style, displaying examples of techniques he learnt from poker books, as well as pieces inherited from mentors.
‘Amaze’ skilfully evades the common stop and start trick show, and instead paints an autobiographical image of who Jamie Allan is and why, he is who he is. A clear message is conveyed to viewers, who are shown the power of chance in defining human, being and life. The audience is reminded that the excitement and magic of being a child does not have to end, and that magic- in its own way- is truly lifelong.
Review by Teodora Wollny
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Featured Image – Jamie Allan in Amaze (c) Ingenious Design UK
Running at: Marylebone Theatre, London NW1 6XT
Thursday 25 July – Saturday 24 August
Performances at 4pm & 7pm
Running Time: 2 hours including interval
www.marylebonetheatre.com 0207 723 7984
Amaze is co-created by Jamie Allan and Tommy Bond. It is directed by Jonathan Goodwin and produced by Corey Ross with executive producer Steve Sterling. The show’s creative consultant is Harry De Cruz. Clare Nordbruch is senior creative designer, Natalia Love is company stage manager, and Joe Wenborne is The Believer.
