REVIEW: “Now You See Me Live” leads its illusions with charm, comedy, and heart
At Crown Theatre Perth, Now You See Me Live brings the blockbuster film franchise to the stage, reimagined as a high-energy, family-friendly magic spectacular.
Running from 23 January to 1 February 2026, the production introduces Boorloo Perth audiences to its own version of the Four Horsemen: Andrew Basso (Italy), Gabriella Lester (Canada), Matthew Pomeroy (UK), and Pablo Cánovas (Spain), a team of charismatic magicians assembled from across the globe. Much like the film franchise, each performer brings a distinct skillset within their corner of the magic discipline, ranging from escapology, physical illusion, mentalism, sleight of hand, and technology-driven tricks. Matthew Pomeroy often acts as a guiding presence within the troupe, helping to thread the acts together as the lead showman. The production is presented as a large-scale ensemble magic show, allowing each of the four illusionists space to showcase their individual strengths.
For fans of the film franchise, this production uses the Now You See Me branding to its full extent. From the tongue-in-cheek performances of its cast to the blue techno-magic imagery and soundtrack, the show clearly leans into its cinematic roots. The production design is a key highlight, with dazzling lighting, well-timed pyrotechnics, and elaborate set pieces that immerse us in the “sci-fi magic” the show aims to project, from teleportation to large-scale visual illusions.
The magic of the show is very much family-oriented, and while some of the tricks could be considered conventional, the cast’s commitment to humour and their playful approach to audience interaction breathe new life into more ‘traditional’ illusions. The performers seem aware of this balance: For some of the acts, the goal is not to reinvent magic, but to pay tribute to the craft, celebrating well-loved techniques for both old and new fans alike.
Set pieces that stand out are those that confidently tackle “old classics,” including the water torture Houdini sequence and an act involving a live scorpion — two visceral, tension-filled feats performed by Andrew Basso. These moments rely less on tricks of the light and more on physical, daredevil-esque spectacle, which makes them particularly impactful.
That said, there are times when certain set pieces could be more finely tuned in their presentation. Ironically, much like the film franchise, the extravagant production design of the show can sometimes risk obscuring the stakes of the illusion. When a trick is framed by an already mind-boggling mechanical contraption, it becomes easier to attribute the effect to technology or stagecraft, slightly diminishing the payoff when the “prestige” finally arrives.
In contrast, some of the show’s strongest moments occur when it strips things back. Simple, back-to-basics sleight-of-hand card tricks remind us why these techniques endure — and why, sometimes, all you really need is a deck of cards.
Ultimately, the charm and heart of Now You See Me Live shine through in its commitment to the theatrics, particularly in its closing moments, which offer a sincere ode to the joy of magic and showmanship by its central cast. While the show may not reinvent the wheel, Now You See Me Live is an enjoyable experience for families and anyone looking to tap into their inner child.
