Morgan and West are permanently travelling. Whether it be across time or up and down the country on a whistle-stop show tour. Tonight, they teleported to Bury. They brought with them their Victorian inspired costumes and living room set. Think a magical version of 221B Baker Street.
They are a time travelling magician duo, like no other. This evening was more than just a presentation of various styles of magic tricks. Intertwining through the course of the act were stories, anecdotes, games, wit, dry humour, charm, and analysis of magic – this accumulated into one big adventure for the whole family. There were styles of magic to suit everyone: close up, tricks using borrowed objects, costume changes, mind reading, mathematical illusions, card tricks, and memory stunts.
Even though I am magician myself, there were plenty of moments which left me bamboozled and discombobulated. This was a testament to their wizarding talents and years (or should I say centuries) of performing together. It was a nice touch when they tried to play tricks on each other as well. At one point, Morgan became that bothersome spectator, asking West to prove his hands were not trying to hide something.
Actually, there was an incommodious spectator tonight: she wouldn’t play along properly with this game presenting some cups, one of which contained water. Excellently, West had the best comeback, after Morgan went to somebody else for an appropriate answer, he said: “At last, someone who has a sense of theatrical narrative.” It went down hilariously. Don’t mess with Morgan and West, otherwise you’ll be teleported to another dimension. They certainly had effective audience management.
The patter of their performance was distinctive. There were instances where you heard clear instructions or stories which were to the point. Other times, they delivered long-winded, playful, and geeky elucidations for what was happening before our very eyes. Whether they were lying or telling the truth was a different matter. The duo’s occasional clown-like facial expressions were a delight. They were so in-sync with one another at certain points, it was unbelievable. Even right down to the intonation of their voices.
One thing to mention though, as the Victorian Gentlemen persona they were playing, meant the show gave the impression of being rather on one level throughout. There wasn’t a marked difference in energy. Not that this took away from my enjoyment of the evening.
This was a very good family show and it’s a must see. If you’re a fan of magic, whether you’re a magician or a muggle, then you especially should see these mystifying, masterly magicians in action. Not sure whether someone else has written this about them, but I’m tempted to label them 'The Holmes and Watson of Magic'
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
on - 20/2/19.
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