Barry and Stuart, Séance Show (preview), Etcetera Theatre, 6/3/2010

So, I saw Barry and Stuart last night and will now attempt to review the show.

It is difficult to review a show like this because it is a preview and I don't want to ruin it for people planning to see it. It is also generally a hard show to review, as it is a big subject. So, as the title suggests, it is a séance and uses various techniques that are used by mediums to summon ghosts. However, unlike a normal séance it is clear that it is not real. Compared to last years show, Powered by Demons , it is darker and has less jokes in it, but it still has moments of silliness that does a lot to balance the darkness of the subject, like 'magic' tidying up for example. It is also much more connected, as all the tricks are to do with 'summoning spirits'. 


As a show, it is amazing. It is just jaw dropping and even as a sceptic of ghosts, they make it seem so real. Their acting is brilliant, making you believe that they are unsure what is going on and are just as confused and amazed as the audience. There are some quiet amazing tricks. They are the first magicians I have seen that have done geek on an audience member. It is actually quite educational, they talk a little about the history of mediums and spiritualism as well as the sorts of things that are used by these people. 


There are some issues, not to do directly with the tricks, which all worked, but more with the premise. They rely so much on audience participation, not just asking some people to be involved, but everyone has to do something. They ask people to write down nightmares and to sit away from the people they came with. This could be problematic, as some people attending might not know what to expect and be reluctant to be involved. However, there should be enough people attending that are willing to be involved and will allow the magic to work. They also really need a quiet venue, as I was distracted at times from the show by the noise from the pub downstairs and they really need to create a bubble where the audience is totally in their world for an hour. Also they could use a dustbuster.


The show is simply awesome, but if you hate being freaked out by ghost stories and things like Most Haunted then this probably isn't for you. Fans of Barry and Stuart will love it, as will people who like being scared and freaked out. I am seeing it again, as well as one of the Soho Theatre run of Powered by Demons. 


Also, little bonuses- my sister was on stage and involved in one of the tricks and couldn't explain how it works, Stuart had awesome socks and they recognised us as at the end they hung around outside the theatre and shook everyone's hands and they were pleased that we regularly attended their shows. They are simply mad fabulous.