It’s high-energy family fun, even if it doesn’t quite come up to superlatives, Rosalind Appleby says of Best Show Ever.
Kids/Reviews/Circus/Fringe World Festival
All the tricks in the book
19 January 2021
- Reading time • 3 minutesFringe World Festival
More like this
- Spicy, saucy and more than a little naughty
- Vikings rock the boat with fun and games
- Circus spices it up with extra sauce (and skills)
Best Show Ever, Magnus Danger Magnus, Morgan James and Pierre Ulric ·
Edith Spiegeltent, 17 January, 2021 ·
Magnus Danger Magnus, Morgan James and Pierre Ulric are highly acclaimed in their areas of magic, clowning and science, so when they decide to pool their talents for a kids’ stage spectacle titled Best Show Ever, expectations are high. Will it really be that good?
The three performers – dressed in immaculate retro suits with tartan highlights – looked impressive in the luxurious Edith Spiegeltent, backed by a regalia of lights, smoke machines and musical soundtrack.
They worked hard to engage their young audience in the heat (I’m not sure if the air conditioning blackout was a glitch or by design, but we were all sweltering), using all the tricks in the book: audience volunteers, a missing person (“He’s behind you!”) and even a dash of performer petulance “I’m not going to do it even if you chant DO IT DO IT … OK, I’ll do it!”
The show opened with some impressive fire juggling and continued with a showcase of classic magic, science and circus tricks. The loose narrative about one of the characters getting stuck in the future had my seven-year-old engrossed, and watch out for the disappearing trick, which had her completely stunned. My favourite was the diabolo juggling with the hourglass-shaped cup – Morgan James’s spectacular multi-cup juggling was synchronised to a pumping soundtrack and it sizzled with energy.
Other tricks had mixed success: the plate spinning never quite got us on the edge of our seats, the erupting potion was interesting but visually underwhelming from where we were sitting, and the bubble wands must’ve had stage fright because they refused to co-operate.
So no, I’m afraid it wasn’t the best show ever. But I have a hunch it will get better as the season unfolds, and we still recommend these guys for a fun family afternoon.
Pictured top: Morgan James spins plates while Pierre Ulric makes a mess trying to help in ‘Best Show Ever’. Photo supplied
Like what you're reading? Support Seesaw.
Past Articles
Celebrating five years of independent journalism
Seesaw Magazine has reached a new milestone in our quest to ignite conversation about the arts in WA. Find out how you can support us and keep courageous, professional and independent journalism alive.
Perth’s international organist
Enticed from England 14 years ago by the Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Joseph Nolan’s impact on the local music scene has been significant. He chats with Rosalind Appleby about his latest overseas tour and why Perth audiences need to hear Handel’s Samson.
