AMAZE
Criterion Theatre
18th Oct to 23rd Nov 2024
“My biggest ambition was to play in the West End and Broadway. We’re halfway there with this West End season, and it’s truly a dream come true. My next step is Broadway, and beyond that, who knows? I just want to keep pushing the boundaries of what magic can be.”
Combining state-of-the-art technology with timeless conjuring techniques, Amaze is a story-driven magic show that puts the wonder directly into the hands of the audience and makes them feel part of the magic.
“Amaze is a deeply emotional show for me to deliver, and is so very personal. It is incredibly rewarding to see the magic and my true story connect so deeply with people. Amaze is a show about a child who dreams of being a magician, and a huge part of that dream for me was to appear in my own West End show. In many ways, part of my story will be lived out on stage every night. An earlier version of the show opened at Marylebone Theatre this summer but we’re expanding the show to be even more spectacular, and – most of all – more amazing. I can’t wait to bring this turbo-charged new version of Amaze to the beautiful Criterion Theatre. I’m so excited to share this next chapter of Amaze with audiences in the West End.”Known the world over as an innovative and ground-breaking high-tech magician, Jamie Allan has sold millions of dollars in tickets worldwide and smashed box office records. He premiered his brand of iMagic on ITV’s This Morning in 1995 as a teenager, captivating audiences with his innovative approach. Since then, Jamie has continued to push the boundaries of modern illusions,incorporating holograms, laser beams, 3D video mapping, and interactive social media to engage and amaze spectators.
Review by Richard Lambert, 4 Stars
Visually stunning, this production owes a lot to the designer, Damien Stanton, for making us feel like we’re in someone’s personal house and occasional antiques store. The mood is set by the 80’s adverts rolling on the screens before the show starts with some funnies and great music! Then the show starts and Jamie proves himself to be both personable and talented.
Lots of audience interaction, participation and children invited onto the stage. A touch of panto magic for families. With so few family shows in the West End this one breaks the mold by being made for family and starring a magician.
Most of the magic is close-up so there’s a rover camera sometimes operated by the very handsome Adam Renner and sometimes by the very glamorous Natalia Love who also features in the larger illusion acts. Traditionally magician assistants look stunning and this show follows that tradition.
Jamie Allan is possibly best known for his 4 x tablet magic act and this features in the show and fits in well against the levitation act which is done extremely well – even from the 3rd row where I sat, you could not see how this was done.
The show is directed by Jonathan Goodwin. Yes, you’ll remember Jonathan Goodwin – he was the brilliant stunt performer’s who’s act always went wrong making us cringe in pain at the outcome. His acts involved his dad as a reluctant assistant and other member’s of his family who were subjected to accidentally seeing him in all sorts of embarrassing predicaments. Brilliantly hilarious. Have a google (NSFW)….
For an fabulous fun evening out with all your family, kiddie-winkles and all, you should go see Jamie Allan’s AMAZE.
Director Jonathan Goodwin
Executive Producer Steve Sterling
The Believer Joe Wenborne