Audiences to be spellbound by magicians in new show

Published 4:00pm 1 April 2022

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

A supergroup of conjurers, tricksters, comedians, illusionists and daredevils are hoping to have audiences on the edge of their seats when they take to the stage for two shows at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre this month.

Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, also known as The Naked Magicians, have put their clothes back to create and star in a new show, titled Showmen – The Ultimate Magic Spectacular.

The duo has assembled an all-star cast for the show, featuring Josh Norbido, a semi-finalist in Australia’s Got Talent; Apollo Jackson, from Australia’s Got Talent and The Bachelorette; as well as Joel “The Cirque Stuntman” Fenton, who is a renowned big top sideshow artist.

Speaking to Moreton Daily ahead of the shows on April 9, Mike says the boys are out to rekindle people’s love of magic.

“Most people went through the magic stage when they were kids, so we take the audience to a special place where they can fall in love with magic once again,” he says.

“The show is a combination of magic, illusions, stunts and escapes – revealing an intimate side of magic.”

Mike says the guys are also fond of audience participation.

“It’s a very interactive show – we love getting people up on stage with us so they can see the magic up close and before their very own eyes,” Mike says.

“In one part of the show, a kid from the audience is sawn in half by Joel.

“He also does some crazy stuff on the stage like juggling chainsaws and knives.”

Moving on from COVID

As audiences return to theatres around the country, Mike says it is great for people in the arts industry to return to what they love doing the most.

“The arts have been one of the most impacted industries, along with hospitality, during COVID,” Mike says.

“It was such a struggle with having to cancel shows and lockdowns.

“But now we are at the point where theatres are returning to full capacity, and without the masks, we can see the smiles and the laughter of people from the audience again.

“We want people to come and have a laugh, be amazed, and just be entertained again.”