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by David Ben and Patrick Watson, directed by Patrick Watson

Parallel Production Services Inc., Artword Theatre, Toronto

December 1, 2004-January 2, 2005

Tricks is the latest magic show by Canadian conjuror extraordinaire David Ben.  His are not the Vegas-style mega-illusions involving disappearing tigers, dry ice, fireworks and showgirls.  Ben practices small-scale magic, often involving sleight-of-hand, of which he is an acknowledged master.  For many people this is the “real” magic because it relies on skill not lighting effects.

Tricks is billed as a “brand new show.”  In fact, it is a 100-minute-long compilation of some of the most memorable effects from Ben’s two previous shows, The Conjuror (1997) and The Conjuror’s Suite (1999).  Gone is the pretence of recreating a magic show from 1909 or the setting of a elegant parlour.  Rather informality is the keynote with audience members involved as assistants in nearly every effect.     

The illusions all have historical antecedents.  Thus, we have such archetypal tricks as the cups and balls and the six Chinese rings in the most difficult versions Ben could find.  In one jaw-dropper Ben, thumbs tied, passes his hands through the blade of a samurai sword.  In another Ben reproduces the Houdini trick of swallowing 25 needles and some thread only to regurgitate the needles slowly all neatly threaded.                  

Patter including some musty references is not his forte.  Instead, he’s funniest when he ad libs and most mysterious when he works in silence as in the beautiful effect of transforming an origami butterfly into a torrent of confetti.  This is not a kiddie show but rather a brain-tickling entertainment for adults that children will also love.                  

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2004-12-16.

Photo: David Ben (with Julie Eng in 1st panel). ©2004 Magicana.