‘A well-blended mix between clowning, magic, and comedy, all creating a fast-paced magical extravaganza to be thoroughly enjoyed.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle at the Apollo Theatre, is inspired by a character originally seen in the Magic Goes Wrong show, curated by Mischief Comedy, forming from a group of LAMDA students who took their shows to Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their series of performances have taken the West End by storm for just over ten years.
Their newest show, Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle, follows the Mind Mangler, played by the genius Henry Lewis, as a pursuer of all magic tricks under the sun. Welcoming us to the world of magic through his witty stage presence and forcing attempts to impress the audience, this is curated through productional elements and mixed media, using projection to ironically hypnotise the audience, but often juxtaposes what he is trying to say.
Instantly captured by the stereotypical set up of the magic show, there are glimpses of an underlying story of a recent divorce and desire for his next big Vegas show. Though subtle, the concept is exceptionally clear and cannot be missed.
The audience participated in the majority of the show and their stories are continuously used as punch lines and missions to get to the finale where all predictions are revealed successfully. Additionally, we see the Stooge, played by Jonathan Sayer, appear from time to time, disguising himself as a fraudulent audience member who continuously participates in the magic, yet fails to do as he is told as the Mind Mangler’s subordinate.
The comedy duo (Lewis and Sayer) were in close contact with Penn Jillette, a magician and presenter most know for his double act, Penn & Teller, who Lewis and Sayer look similar to. Penn Jillette was a part of the artistic collaboration alongside the duo and began improvising the show until they found the big idea.
The performance followed all it promised to do magnificently well, from the auditorium writing confession letters ,and some being revealed with the power of the meticulous Mind Mangler, to opening the mystery box which hung from the stage, all the way to the end. The crowd excellently participated and were willingly manipulated into following the flow and rules of the show with ease.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle is a well-blended mix between clowning, magic, and comedy, all creating a fast-paced magical extravaganza to be thoroughly enjoyed. Mischief Comedy have triumphantly delivered comedy gold time and time again, this show holding the ongoing baton of sensation. This show is absolutely hilarious, witty and leaves the audience with a feeling of satisfaction and success and is definitely a must-see show.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle will be at the Apollo Theatre until the 28th of April.