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SHOWZAM REVIEW: Worth wait when the magic starts
Showzam - Star of Wonder
Star Of Wonder, Lawrence House Studio. A little theatre company proved size doesn’t matter at the Lawrence House Studio on Valentine’s Day.
Despite a cast of just four and a puppet – Theatre In The Quarter’s Star Of Wonder was atmospheric, inventive and had a surprisingly engaging story.
The nature of magic and illusion were the themes and it seemed nothing, daggers, wives, Egyptian goddesses, clocks or puppets were quite what they seemed.
The script is a bit over-egged with elaborate metaphors at times which can make it hard to follow, but when the story of dreams, thwarted love and magic get going, it’s worth the wait.
The acts in the Victorian music hall where the show is set are themselves very entertaining. Actresses Emily Barlow and Isla Carter have excellent voices as the Darling Sisters. Paul Dabek who played aspiring magician Vincent Carter has a magical background so his illusions were also enjoyable.
Michael Magnet’s music hall chairman Sydney Frost was superbly eerie as a riddle revelling puppeteer and his charisma certainly helped set the scene.
Despite a basic set, a clever use of the stage to flip between on the music hall stage and backstage helped the plot run smoothly. Lighting and sound were also evocative, especially in the snow scene.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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