Home Counties Magical Society

Alex Lodge returned to The Haymarket Theatre to present his Electric Show to an almost full house on the 30th March 2010 Robin Maddy (President of The Home Counties Magical Society) said to me afterwards “It was good to see a partial return to a real Variety Show with the  two excellent Speciality Acts and Dancers to complement the Magic and Illusions of Alex.

A laser light opening led into the opening illusions as from an empty, then slowly smoke filled glass cabinet Alex Lodge made his appearance. His busy assistant, Hayley-Anne was produced from a cabinet and then trapped again in another to be subjected to the hardships beloved by illusionists until successfully revealed, safe and sound.Alex welcomed the audience and introduced the Hungarian Hula Hooper, Bee Gee who with two illuminated and colour changing hoops presented a very fast “dance and hoop” routine which was very much to the liking of the audience.

Steve Arnold, an almost non-stop juggler, romped through his act with balls, clubs and double Diablo's. The illuminated props used changed colours constantly and made one wonder just how he knew where to make the next catch or throw. He finished to great applause from the audience.“The Vanishing Bandana” was presented by Alex and the comedy flowed throughout the routine which paved the way for the Basingstoke School of Dance to present the closing spot to the first half.The dancers opened the second half of the show with  further routines to please the audience and we then welcomed Alex who presented the Cube Illusion before Bee Gee came back for her second appearance to present her “Fire Hoops” routine.

Even from our seats it was possible to feel the occasional burst of heat as they gyrated around her constant dancing body. Steve Arnold followed with further demonstrations of his skills with evil looking knives (juggling over the inert and very brave Hayley-Anne, who lay on the stage and seemed totally unconcerned throughout). Hat juggling, a seven ball routine was successful completed and then Unicycling AND club juggling finished a great second spot.

Alex and Hayley-Anne presented their very fast Metamorphosis Trunk Illusion before the dancers closed the evening with two further routines.A good evening and pleasing to see the talent and youth that was on show, which from remarks as we exited had been a happy and enjoyable evening for all. A pleasing touch was the farewell from the performers in the Theatre Foyer  as we left.

Well done all concerned !