Unbelievable-Magic Reimagined, Criterion Theatre, London Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Laura S

*Derren Brown does not appear in the show*

Unbelievable is written and directed by Derren Brown.  A co-production with The Mercury Theatre Colchester, where the show premiered in August.  The other producers are Derren Brown, Andrew O’Connor, Michael Vine, Paul Sandler and Kenny Wax for Unbelievable Productions.

Unbelievable is not like any other magic show I have seen previously.  It is an interfusion of magic, illusions, live music and theatre to create an extravagant theatrical experience.  The show is lively from start to finish and has plenty of jaw-dropping and gasping moments.  The heavy audience participation leads the show throughout and adds to the excitement.  Due to audience participation, no two shows will ever be the same.  If you are more introverted, I recommend you not sit in the front few rows.

The show is fast-paced, with the intertwining of music and theatrical acts linking seamlessly between each trick.  The tricks do not always relate to the previous, but this did not spoil the viewing; it was like a series of different acts.  Which kept the audience captivated and engaged throughout.

I do not want to give too many details and spoil the show for potential viewers.  Still, the jaw-dropping and gasping moments for me were the music telepathy, with Hannah Price playing the piano and somehow being able to guess the song the audience member was thinking of and play the tune just by them touching her shoulder.  She carried out this trick with several members of the audience.  She was even able to guess a slightly obscure song.  This was totally perplexing, and I’m still overthinking how Hannah knew that was the song.

Another intriguing act was when Simon Lipkin mysteriously turned water in a range of favourite alcoholic drinks at the request of the audience members.  This was a real crowd-pleaser, and everyone wanted in on the action.  There were many more tricks in the show which were equally brilliant and fabulous in their own way.  The lighting, music and roaming video camera projecting onto the side screens when needed kept the audience fully immersed.

The show is sleek from start to finish and exceptionally clever.  You are constantly thinking, how was that done?  Is that even possible?  And even when the show finishes, you are left wanting more; you want the next wow moment to be even grander and more wow than previously with the answers to how that was even possible.  This is magic like no other, and you will not have seen anything like this before.

I highly recommend the show.
Overall, I rate Unbelievable 4/5.

Tickets can be purchased from £20 from  https://unbelievablelive.com

With a range of prices to suit all budgets.
The show lasts 2hrs 30mins which includes the interval.
The Criterion Theatre is next to Piccadilly Circus tube station and is easy to reach via many transport links.
The theatre is beautiful with original features.  It is a smaller theatre with a personal and intimate atmosphere.

Interestingly, the theatre is a grade-listed building set below ground.  If you have limited mobility, the Upper Circle has step-free access.  The seats were comfy and had plenty of legroom.

Rating: 4/5