It’s quite rare that a show lives up to a title quite as confident as Amaze. Before you even set foot into the theatre, the audience is set up for wonderment and awe, an expectation of something incredible. That being said, expect the unexpected in Jamie Allen’s Amaze, which is truly a magical night of amazing theatre. It might seem a bit literal describing it that way but to achieve such pure magic is the greatest compliment of all.
Allen's debut West End show is his life story, a journey from start to finish of a boy to man’s love for magic. His first magic set given at the age of 5 and a handful of books create the foundations of the show, presenting it as a 40 year labour of love. We learn about his journey from prodigy to world class magician and, while he is mostly alone on the stage aside from his assistants a handful of times, we are introduced to those who have been a key part of the journey up to this moment. It is truly heartwarming to hear about the support of his family, their spirit intertwined into the very core of the show with both the words and trickery. What is so deeply joyful is just how theatrical the story is. Allen is a true performer by nature and the narrative crafted could even work as a standalone piece of storytelling.
The show itself is advertised as suitable for ages 5 and up, certainly something you could take the entire family to. That being said, the utter childlike wonder that is incited within the adult audience is a marvel within itself. It is mentioned that amongst the audience there will be both believers and sceptics (and critics!), those who have managed to sustain the joy in the unknown and others who will be led by natural curiosity of wanting to know all in a world where we’re spoiled by the ability to have knowledge at our fingertips. Through a combination of close up magic and large illusions, both categories of audience members alike are clearly astounded by what Jamie is able to pull off in what simply is ‘magic’. On the way out, I heard multiple people say “magic is real” and it’s that childhood belief poking through into adulthood which makes the show so special.
It’s fantastic to see magic championed on a West End stage and no expense is spared for this production. The back wall is frequently lit up by beautiful images, transporting us to a specific moment in Jamie's life as well as the use of a cosy set complete with an arm chair and bookshelf (Damien Stanton). Projection (Subfrantic) is also used to show pictures of his childhood, furthering the personal element, as well as for live video feed of close up tricks making the show accessible from all areas of the theatre. Lighting (James Perrett and Tommy Bond) is also a key feature, highlighting and pulling our attention to any necessary moments. Perhaps premature to mention but in the run up to Christmas, there is a lot of competition when it comes to ticket sales and a magic show will, ultimately, have to fight harder than the well established shows of the West End. That being said, the star quality of the performance combined with the high standard of production value should absolutely convince punters through those doors.
Jamie Allen doesn’t use masses of audience participation, however, connects when doing this. He clearly loves the element of magic which involves working with the public, enthusiastically sharing his passion with another. The phrase do what you love and love what you do certainly rings true here. Unfortunately one trick using technology didn’t go to plan, however, this only put Allen off course momentarily before jumping straight back in as a testament to his professionalism.
Overall, it is an utter treat to have this show grace the West End stage. Magic can often feel quite impersonal, something each magician has picked up through being sold a trick. In this case, that is totally avoided in a passionate display of thrills, spills, tricks and illusions with a beautifully personal touch. I challenge even the most sceptical to not be charmed by this show where, it truly feels like, anything is possible.
Amaze runs at the Criterion Theatre until 23rd November. For tickets and more information, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Danny Kaan
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