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We review the Mischief Theatre’s Magic Goes Wrong, co-created by Penn and Teller, at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury

Usually I love to go and see a musical theatre show.

I've been lucky enough to have seen many a good one over the years, but the magic show I saw last night is probably the most clever, funny performance I've ever seen on stage.

The magical comedy show is the latest production from Mischief Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography
The magical comedy show is the latest production from Mischief Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

Magic does actually turn to mayhem right in front of your eyes and wow, I never stopped laughing all night.

The Mischief Theatre’s latest smash hit show, Magic Goes Wrong, is currently on at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

I took along my friend and her granddaughter, she is just 13, and she loved and laughed throughout as much as I did. It's a show for everyone, (well anyone aged over 11).

It's got everything a good production should have, it's hilarious, has plenty of real magic and the tricks the hapless magicians perform will have you laughing out loud continually.

I'm not the sort of person who usually gets involved with audience participation, but even I found myself clapping and going along with the chanting and the like.

Magic Goes Wrong is on at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography
Magic Goes Wrong is on at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

The show's story follows a group of magicians as their charity fundraiser spirals out of control and believe me, there is a lot that goes wrong, but it's all in good humour and utterly makes the show.

There are so many surprises, hilarious stunts, spectacular illusions and so, so much comedy.

The attention to detail on the ever changing set, is also a wonderful added bonus.

The show is co-created by magic legends Penn and Teller and it was a packed out theatre on the first night and I could tell everyone who watch it walked away from the show still laughing at the mishaps and mayhem.

The company’s previous productions include the Olivier Award-winning Play That Goes Wrong and the critically acclaimed Comedy About a Bank Robbery.

Keep an eye out for Spitzmaus and Bar during the wonderful show. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography
Keep an eye out for Spitzmaus and Bar during the wonderful show. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

I don't want to give away too many spoliers - but honestly the magic and laughter starts from the very moment the show opens - right in front of your eyes.

Keep an eye out for Spitzmaus and Bar, (two of the funniest 'dancing' characters ever) and Sophisticato, The Mind Mangler and The Blade, who all dazzle you with their performances and magic tricks from start to finish.

The sawing of Eugenia in half on stage, will have you crying with laughter from the moment the trick starts.

If you like magic, having a laugh, so much so your cheeks ache for hours, then this show is right up your street. Get some tickets before it's too late!

Magic Goes Wrong is at the Marlowe Theatre until Sunday, April 10. Book online here or call 01227 787787.

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