The Wizards of Oz
Today, 22nd September, marked the beginning of the Melbourne Magic Festival – featuring 10 different shows, totalling 50 performances, all to be held at the Northcote Town Hall. Two of those shows play during the day time for the school holidays – Kikkii the Klown, and this fun offering, The Wizards of Aus.
The Wizards of Aus are accomplished Australian magic duo, Tim Ellis and Sue Ann Webster. This is very much a children’s show and they succeeded in keeping the audience enthralled throughout the whole performance. Gone were the drawn out build ups to illusions as you so often see in magic shows, ensuring the show kept up a fast pace to suit young attention spans. Even during the mundane task of clearing props from the stage, we still were entertained with Tim’s clown-like antics.
Audience members both young and old(er) were encouraged to volunteer in a non confronting manner and everyone who assisted in creating a little magic on stage seemed to enjoy the experience. You get the chance to tie Sue Ann into a straitjacket, take part in a card trick, act out a scene from their version of The Wizard of Oz or even magically be transformed into a munchkin!
There are many classic illusions ranging from levitation to the magic rings and an obligatory disappearing act. Most of the humour comes from audience participation and one particular act where the duo take on different characters in costume and put a new spin on an old trick. Why it was performed to “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge, I still don’t know… but I liked it.
I would recommend this show to parents looking for something unique to take their kids to on the school holidays. It sure would make for a more interesting show and tell stories back in the classroom. The children in the audience were delighted with the magic and laughed along with the gags, and parents can join in the fun too.
The Melbourne Magic Festival runs from September 22nd – October 4th. See www.northcotetownhall.com.au for the full guide.