My jaw is still somewhere on the floor of the magnificent Arts Centre Hamer Hall after witnessing Penn & Teller’s 50th anniversary show. Forget everything you think you know about magic tricks and Vegas headliners – this wasn’t your grandpa’s disappearing handkerchief routine.
Having seen the iconic magical duo perform at their home in Vegas, as well as multiple hours in front of the TV watching the excellent ‘Fool us‘, it was safe to say I was a huge fan. With a sold-out theatre on a Tuesday night, it seems like Melbourne audiences were just as excited.
From the moment the curtain rose, Penn & Teller had the entire audience in the palm of their hand. Their signature dynamic – Penn, the sardonic host, and Teller, the enigmatic performer – was on full display, their comedic timing as sharp as Teller’s razor-clad tricks.
These guys are masters of their craft, having honed their act over five decades. What I’ve always loved about their form of magic is the playfulness that leaves a lasting impression. You see a trick, but the meaning behind it stays with you once the lights are up and you’re on your way home.
Penn & Teller are more than just skilled magicians. They’re clever commentary and social critiques creep into their act. They don’t shy away from skewering traditional magic, gleefully deconstructing expectations before building something even more mind-blowing in their wake.
There were moments that left me gasping, convinced I’d witnessed the impossible. There were others that had me chuckling with laughter. All while audience members made their way to the stage to see some close up magic for themselves, or be part of the tricks.
Penn & Teller’s show is a masterclass in misdirection, and a testament to the decades they have spend honing their craft. Their closing act ‘Entropy‘ is a great example of that, taking an earlier moment in the show and giving it a whole new meaning in the most delightful way.
If you’re in Melbourne and have the chance to snag a ticket, don’t hesitate. This is a show you won’t want to miss. You might just leave questioning reality itself, but you’ll definitely leave with a smile on your face and a renewed sense of wonder.
– The Plus Ones
