Just wow! This show is truly mind-bending, and David Kwong himself is nothing short of incredible. Walking into the theatre, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it quickly became clear that the rest of the audience was ahead of the game. Kwong is an enigma in his own right—a self-confessed puzzler, magician, and the brilliant mind behind many of the New York Times Crossword puzzles. As a subscriber myself, I was already familiar with some of the concepts he discussed and displayed, which made the experience even more rewarding. The audience, however, seemed to know him well already, and I suspect many had heard of his talents or seen him perform before. I was struck by how many Americans were at the show, who obviously knew all about David Kwong, to witness his unique brand of entertainment here in London.
What makes Kwong so captivating is that he is no stereotypical “nerd.” Instead, he has a warm, engaging stage presence and interacts with the audience at every opportunity. He makes sure that everyone feels included, whether seated in the front row or tucked away at the back. Throughout the evening, he selected participants from all corners of the hall, ensuring that the show felt communal rather than exclusive. The performance itself was mesmerising. My family, who are also avid puzzlers and fellow New York Times crossword subscribers, would have adored it. I even texted them during the interval to share my excitement. Without giving too much away, I can say that if you have any interest in magic tricks, puzzles, or crosswords, this is a show you simply must see. Audience participation was central to the experience. At several points, we were challenged to solve visual and audio puzzles, standing up when we thought we had the answer. This quickly became competitive, with individuals leaping from their seats to be the first to respond. Out of the five puzzles presented, I managed to solve one just after the crowd jumped up, but I was particularly proud of myself for cracking the visual puzzle almost immediately. Solving these challenges allowed us to piece together clues that ultimately unlocked a mystery box—its contents seemingly impossible and yet revealed with astonishing flair.
Kwong’s ability to entertain while educating is remarkable. He moved energetically around the stage, drawing us into his world of codes, wordplay, and illusions. For puzzlers like myself, he was inspiring, offering clever insights into cracking codes and even sharing strategies for winning at Scrabble. His passion clearly stems from childhood, nurtured by his mother, a history professor, who introduced him to problem-solving at an early age. One of the most fascinating segments of the evening was his retelling of the story of the Fairfields; a husband-and-wife team who played a pivotal role in American code-breaking history.
Kwong’s credentials extend far beyond the stage. As the magic consultant for the Now You See Me films, he has proven himself a master of illusion with a wealth of tricks up his sleeve. Having performed in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, and Toronto, it feels like a privilege to have him here in London. Wilton’s Music Hall, with its historic charm, provided a unique backdrop, though in truth, it almost felt too modest a venue for such a dazzling talent.
The audience’s reaction said it all. At the end of the show, the entire hall rose to its feet in a standing ovation, a testament to the sheer brilliance of the evening. If you can secure a ticket, do not hesitate—this is one of those rare theatrical experiences that should not be missed.
As for me, I left the theatre inspired, eager to dust off my Scrabble set and renew my New York Times crossword subscription. David Kwong has not only entertained but shown me that my love of puzzles is a great way to stretch your mind, proving that the art of problem- solving can be as thrilling as any magic trick.
Performances run Mon 24 - Sat 29 Nov, at Various Times
Booking and more information: https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-enigmatist/
Reviewer - Penny Curran
On - 24th November 2025
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