The blockbuster film franchise of ‘Now You See Me’ is brought to the stage in an entertaining spectacle packed with slick production values, charismatic performers and enough grand illusions to keep audiences engaged throughout. While it may not reinvent the magic show, it certainly delivers an enjoyable evening at the beautifully grand London Coliseum.

The undisputed highlight of the production is Eden Choi, whose breathtaking sleight of hand steals the show. Fresh from Britain’s Got Talent, Choi performs an astonishing sequence of card and ball manipulations that seem to defy reality, with objects appearing from nowhere in the blink of an eye. It’s mesmerising, expertly executed and easily the most memorable part of the evening. The only disappointment is that his entire appearance lasts just two or three minutes, far too brief for a performer of his calibre, and then he’s sadly barely used again.

The only real link to the film franchise is the reference to the ‘Horsemen’ and these four main performers lead the show well. A notable mention should go to Andrew Basso for his charismatic persona and dangerous, thrilling tricks including housing a scorpion in his mouth and escaping handcuffs and padlocks in a water-filled box. Frenchman Enzo Weyne also delivered grand illusions but sadly his diction was extremely hard to understand.

Elsewhere, the production offers a series of polished large-scale illusions, including a helicopter appearing on stage and magicians impossibly transporting themselves from boxes and chairs to entirely different parts of the auditorium. These moments are undeniably impressive and are supported by confident performances from a cast full of charm and jeopardy.

However, for seasoned magic fans, many of the illusions will feel familiar. While they’re executed flawlessly, few of the tricks feel genuinely original or groundbreaking, leaving the show leaning more on spectacle than innovation.

What elevates the production is its technical presentation. Hugo Mercier Bosseny’s lighting design is outstanding, creating cinematic atmosphere throughout, while Evan Duffy’s pulsating soundtrack adds energy and momentum to every illusion. There’s also enough pyrotechnics to light up the entire city of London!

‘Now You See Me Live’ may dazzle even if it doesn’t surprise, but it’s still an undeniably entertaining production suitable for the whole family. With more stage time for the exceptional Eden Choi (and the other two British magicians who seem to have either been forgotten or shoehorned in) and a greater emphasis on fresh magic, it could have been truly unforgettable.

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