Tarot cards were projected onto the cyclorama. Mysterious, Victorian looking chairs and a table were at the front of the stage. Was this an evening of clairvoyance? Or a psychic reading event? It definitely was not, but it certainly gave the illusion of being something like that. The quirky underscoring music which played as we entered established an anticipatory atmosphere. Just what were we about to witness?
This was an evening of intuition. Each and everyone of us has it. Perhaps it's an inner voice or a gut feeling? It may be a logical phenomenon or spiritual? Whatever it is, those in the niche field of mentalism know too well that intuition combined with a plethora of other skills can make it appear as though you can read minds and predict the future with frightening accuracy. Jermay explored all of this and more in a Question and Answer formatted show which included a few Tarot card readings as well.
One thing I couldn't predict was the creative opening. Jermay needed the audience to write down meaningful questions on some cards that they would like an answer to from Jermay. The premise was he would work out the questions from looking at a person and using his intuition - never looking at the cards. Jermay gave the audience sixty seconds to write down their questions and submit them. Watching the madness of everyone rushing to the front of the stage was surprising, funny, and lifted the energy in the room.
The Question and Answer act has been done by many Mentalists such as: Theodore Annemann, Tony Corinda, and Derren Brown. However, Jermay brings a new lease of life to this act. He preserves the mystery of mentalism, whilst simultaneously layering his performance with stories which are historical, metaphorical, contemporary, and poetic. Jermay never gave an explicit explanation for what he was doing and how he did it, but there were exciting and subtle clues which gave you an idea of what was at play, if you payed close enough attention. There were plenty of ways for the audience to get involved: one woman tapped into her own intuition on stage.
His performance was thoroughly rehearsed and nuanced with gestures and actions conveying his acute concentration as he attempted to divine audience's deepest and private thoughts. He never once made the audience uncomfortable: he aimed to make you intrigued about the mysteriousness of life and the future. Every now and then jokes were told when you least expected it. Jermay was in his element taking on this role of an idosyncratic mind-reader, ensuring complete use of his status as a performer. His own research and wealth of experience underpined this performance. Fixed scripting and improvised patter blended seamlessly into one.
I would say this show suited more of an intimate space rather than the Quays Theatre, nevertheless Jermay still cultivated a personal and welcoming environment. He answered questions in a way that made it relatable to other people listening in. The way in which he accomplished his impacting divinations was innovative - with lovely theatrical imagery scattered throughout.
Overall, Intuition made light of the infinite connections the human brain can make to different ideas and how creativity is limitless. Exposing how our own intuition can sometimes assist in seeking the answers we need. Jermay is a brilliant example of what someone can do when mentalism, psychology, mystery, intuition, and storytelling are all rolled into one performance.
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
on - 14/2/19
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