Review: Magician Lawson Reeves shows us the impossible in his first solo show Genuinely Impossible

There is something about magic that brings out the inner-child in us all. From a rogue coin behind the ear, to an ace up the sleeve, there is something still so satisfying in witnessing the seemingly impossible. But, you won’t find any rabbits or hats in Lawson Reeves’ hour long magic show, Genuinely Impossible.

Reeve’s rose to fame in the 2014 series of Big Brother, becoming known as the ‘Big Brother Magician’ after regularly performing tricks on the show. Like most of us, his fondness for magic stems from childhood, when his brother’s friend first showed him a coin trick. Ever since, Reeve’s has been compelled by the love of performing the seemingly inexplicable right before our eyes, and that is exactly what he sets out to do in this show.

Eschewing the traditional magic wand and white gloves, The former big brother contestant brings us a tantalising mix of traditional card tricks, and some slight of hand that will have you youtubing ‘magic trick secrets’ for days after.

Whilst some of the early card and rope tricks may feel a little pedestrian, Reeve’s makes up for this with his unique brand of quick wit, and effortless use of innuendo. The show falls somewhere between a traditional magic show, and a night down the pub with your frustratingly multi-talented mate (We all have one).

Genuinely Impossible is named so as the host aims to shows us tricks that he would have you believe are, well, exactly that. And in the case of a couple of finale tricks Lawson definitely succeeds. For a debut solo show, Reeve’s manages to achieve what he set out to, with several audience members vocally exclaiming ‘impossible’ (although, perhaps in more colourful terms).

Whilst some of the earlier tricks are easily seen through, the show builds to an impressive climax (an innuendo worthy of Lawson himself). Genuinely impossible is perhaps best enjoyed by a willing audience with a couple of cocktails in hand. If you are looking for a casual and entertaining show, and are willing to leave your skepticism at the door,  then give Lawson Reeves a go.

THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

Genuinely Impossible is playing  nightly  at The Butterfly Club from January 10^th-14^th at 8.30pm. Tickets are available here.

The reviewer attended the performance on January 10th.

———-

This content has recently been ported from its original home on Arts on the AU and may have formatting errors – images may not be showing up, or duplicated, and galleries may not be working. We are slowly fixing these issue. If you spot any major malfunctions making it impossible to read the content, however, please let us know at editor AT theaureview.com.