Houdini’s Greatest Escape: A Spellbinding Journey of Magic and Laughter at King’s Head Theatre
Houdini's Greatest Escape at the King's Head Theatre is a captivating and energetic production that brings the legendary escapologist Harry Houdini to life on stage. The show, performed by the award-winning theatre company New Old Friends, is a delightful blend of comedy, magic, and historical intrigue.
The plot centres around Harry Houdini (Ben Higgins) and his wife Bess (Lydia Piechowiak) as they navigate a series of challenges in England, including a rivalry with the medium Agatha and being framed for robbery and murder by a gang of criminals known as The Barkers. The narrative is rich with twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
The production is set on a mocked-up music hall stage, with budget scenery and props that add to its charm. The versatile cast, including Kirsty Cox and Adam Elliott, bring a multitude of characters to life with boundless energy and creativity. Cox plays roles such as Agatha, Ma Barker, and even an elephant named Nelly, while Elliott takes on characters like Houdini's brother Hardeen, Chief Doyle, and all three Barker sons.
Clever staging and costume design allow for quick character changes, with one memorable scene featuring Elliott playing four different roles using just a cap, a moustache on a stick, and a reversible kilt. The set design by Caitlin Abbott is equally inventive, with a door-and-window construction on wheels serving multiple purposes and roll-up trees creating a convincing forest.
The dialogue is filled with quick-fire exchanges and intricate wordplay, keeping the audience laughing. The show also features impressive magic tricks and illusions that pay homage to Houdini's legacy, seamlessly integrated into the storyline. These moments of wonder add an extra layer of excitement and mystery, often leaving the audience in awe.
The musical score and sound effects, composed by Guy Hughes and designed by Fred Riding, enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of immersion. George Seal's lighting design impressively highlights key moments, adding to the overall tension and drama of the performance.
Houdini's Greatest Escape is an entertaining and energetic production. It successfully combines magic, comedy, and historical elements to create a unique theatrical experience that brings the world of Harry Houdini to life in a fun and engaging way.
