The comedic magician duo Morgan & West are finally back on stage, with their return perfectly timed for a five year old who has become very curious about magic (my daughter). And so we took a trip to the fabulous Pegasus Theatre on a Saturday morning for the terrific Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular.
Over a decade in and Morgan & West have an endearing confidence to their act, be it in increasingly convoluted slight-of-hand (there's a great routine linked to what is being written on a piece of paper), interacting with a raucous audience (every verbose insult West flung our way tickled me) or their spectacular finale (that is really worth seeing). But, thankfully, Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular is skilfully performed without being overtly slick. There is a wonderful energy to the show, enhanced by the duo's time off stage. We appreciate Morgan & West more and they seem to appreciate us too, our time apart making this show all the sweeter. There are times when they threaten to break and corpse on stage but just about manage to keep it together. Their asides as they go about their routines are endearing and its clear this show has been constructed as a sort-of greatest hits to celebrate their years of magic (I've never seen them but have been aware of Morgan & West for a number of years now).
The set is a fabulous ramshackle of crates and props, giving us a tease as to where proceedings will go when we take our seats in the auditorium. Morgan & West are dapper in their suits, with some impressive costume changes to be had. These enhance the performance without pulling focus from why we're here - the magic routines. Sometimes less is more and an overly elaborate set may well be a bit of a distraction.
Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular is a fabulous watch, one that elated both of our party, as well as those around us. There's something for the adults and the younger members of the audience, with the skill and craft on display exceptional, and the chemistry between our performers a joy to watch. This show is truly worthy of your time - a perfectly judged celebration of the power of live theatre. If you're ready to step foot back into an auditorium then Morgan & West will welcome you back with magic, spectacle - and melons!