Currently playing at the Sydney Opera House, the team behind the biggest selling magic shows in the world are bringing their brand-new production, The Illusionists 1903 to Arts Centre Melbourne in January 2016.
Featuring brand-new, world class illusionists handpicked from across the globe, The Illusionists 1903 promises to transport the audience back to the golden age of magic, a time when conjurers were the true rock stars of the day.
Showcasing the origins of some of the greatest and most dangerous illusions ever built, the show also unveils never-seen-before experiments drawn from a treasure trove of long-forgotten mysteries. The true art of magic will be explored in exquisite, turn of the century grandeur in this larger than life production from the acclaimed creative team behind international mega hits The Illusionists and The Illusionists 2.0.
Inspired by the magicians of yesteryear, including the great Houdini, in this world class spectacular audiences will discover first-hand the spectacles that transformed stage entertainment over 100 years ago. The Illusionists 1903 features a cast of world famous magicians playing incredible characters, with each embodying the magical greats of the past, including:
The Eccentric:
Rooted in history as a part of the famed vaudevillian variety shows of the early 20th century, The Eccentric marries physical comedy with virtuosic skill and mastery, showcasing world-class juggling and sleight of hand in an act that keeps audiences laughing and applauding all at once.
The Immortal:
The Immortal is the ultimate connoisseur of golden age magic, specializing in illusions which have stood the test of time. His montage of turn-of-the-century grandeur includes the greatest levitation act in the world.
The Conjuress:
A mistress of the occult and master of the mystical, The Conjuress highlights all that was beautiful and breathtaking during the Golden Age of Magic. Her mesmerizing and peaceful presence provides the perfect counterbalance to the more boisterous characters of the age.
The Showman
The voice of ‘1903’, The Showman lives for the accolades of the crowd. Performing classic showstoppers such as the infamous and deadly bullet catch, his charisma and panache charm the audience, embodying what gave golden age magicians their meteoric rise to fame and popularity.
The Escapist
Recreating the most iconic stunt in the history of magic, The Escapist performs Houdini’s death defying, turn-of-the-century escape from the ‘Water Torture Cell’. Bound, shackled and submerged in water, audiences are treated to the same near death experience that enthralled patrons wherever the Great Houdini performed.
The Clairvoyants
No journey into the ‘Golden Age of Magic’ would be complete without The Clairvoyants. These mentalists of the early twentieth century penetrate deep into the hearts and minds of even the most firm skeptic.
The Charlatan
“There’s a sucker born every minute” may have been a phrase coined by P.T. Barnum, but The Charlatan has made this his mantra. Don’t be fooled by his simple, folksy demeanour, or you are likely to miss his tricky ways.
The Illusionists 1903
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season continues to 28 December 2015
Bookings: (02) 9250 7777 or online at: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 2 – 10 January 2016
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Image: The Illusionists 1903