TRICKY BUSINESS

(Apologies for the late publishing of this article)

South African Magical Society (SAMS) at the Rhumbelow Theatre. (Review by Murray McGibbon)

I was very fortunate to catch the last performance of Tricky Business, a fun-filled, family friendly magic show directed with style and panache by Ricki Gray, Vice President of SAMS.

While the magic on stage was of a high professional standard, there was also magic “in-the-air” as far as the audience was concerned, with “ooh’s” and “aah’s” abounding and deafening applause at some of the more intricate mysteries being performed.

Top honours must go to the show’s producer and director Ricki Gray whose irrepressible energy and enthusiasm was clearly evident in the final, polished product. He certainly puts the “Energizer Bunny” in the shade. Literally!

Gray also served as a witty compere and master illusionist. He must be one of the most prominent unsung entertainers in the country, His record of accomplishments as a professional performer originally from the UK, with experience in ice shows, cruise ships, and a Royal Command performance for Queen Elizabeth leave him without equal.

The slick, fast-moving show opened with a magical dance sequence choreographed by Gray, featuring Dancers, Graeme Harpham (a doctor of chiropractic), Shelley Dady (an accountant) and  Kirsty Randall. Adding variety and spice was the good-looking 17 year old saxophonist Charl Rossouw, from Westville Boys High School.

After setting the mood for the show, with Gray’s “naughty but nice” comic business, the first magician to grace the stage was the engaging Bennie Matthee, the President of SAMS. I have seen his act before and noted a confidence and assurance that is developing with experience. Mathee, who works in computer web design, climaxed his act with an impressive razor blade swallowing routine. Younger members of the audience were suitably warned not to try this at home! Neatly costumed, his presentation would be enhanced by having his column-cum-table designed in such a way that can it can be effortlessly wheeled off stage.

I have watched Adi Paxton, now a  full time children's entertainer, puppeteer, radio actress and clown (aka Cherry) for many years since she first started performing and it was gratifying to see the confidence and ease with which she wove her magical, whimsical thread though her performance. Being the only lady magician in the province, she has carved herself a unique niche.

Adrian Smith is another magician who has matured into a worthy magician of note. His act is much more controlled and elegant now, and it is hardly surprising he is making his living from magic.  His Vegas card routine had a definite “how the hell did he do that?” quality. At the performance I saw, he used a young boy from the audience to magically pull coins out of thin air, as well as from the boy’s nose, ear and sundry other parts of the anatomy! The look of astonishment and sheer unbridled awe on the boy’s face surely touched the life of that young audience member. I have no doubt that the young man in question was bitten by the “magic bug” and will be asking for a magic set next Christmas. This subtle, yet powerful performance intention gave the show an endearing quality as patrons were not only entertained, but educated, thereby nurturing new generations of audience members.

It is always a delight to see Keith Pettengell on stage. A busy specialist surgeon, magic has been a lifelong hobby of his. He brought an old school (but not old-fashioned) charm to the proceedings, with his impeccable, classical magician’s apparel and props. His sardonic wit and comic patter neatly complemented a deft card trick and an amusing egg and scarf routine. Clearly this is a performer totally in command of his art and his audience. Years of experience and practice is telling.

The final act of the evening featured Wayne Driver who manages a butchery for a living. I predict that he will become a successful professional magician, given the skill he demonstrated in Tricky Business.  Using standard, classical magic  props, he put his personal stamp on the mystifying multiplying bottles and the best cut and restored rope routine I have seen in many a year. I particularly enjoyed his Chinese Linking Rings which, in the hands of a master craftsman, appeared utterly effortless and truly impossible.

As an admittedly somewhat jaded audience member, I was swept away by the sincere commitment and involvement of the performers. For 100 minutes, the charming Rhumbelow Theatre reminded me of a small theatre in Paris where many years ago I saw a magic variety show. With sound by Andre Norden and lighting by Derek and Kevin Pearce, the SAMS production of Tricky Business provided a wonderful antidote to the gloom, doom and dismal news permeating the country. Everyone left with a spring in their step and a smile on their face, having been transported into a magical world of make-believe. Make sure you do not miss next year’s annual show! – Murray McGibbon (©Presto Theatre International, 2013)

Murray McGibbon is the former Director of Drama for NAPAC and The Playhouse Company. He is currently Professor of Acting and Directing at Indiana University in the USA. He first became interested in magic at the age of three and has performed and judged magic competitions nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Order of Merlin with Shield by the International Brotherhood of Magicians (USA) and is a Member of The Magic Club of London and the South African Magical Society.