Houdini’s Greatest Escape by Feargus Woods Dunlop, Exeter Northcott Theatre until 16 May 2024 and touring.

3✩✩✩ Review: Cormac Richards.

“…a fun show and elevated by the magical element.”

There seems to be a plethora of small-scale shows around at the moment; tiny casts playing multiple characters, some based on classic stories and historical figures – indeed this the fourth such I have seen at Exeter Northcott Theatre in a few months. The concept has been made so popular by Patrick Barlow’s version of ‘The 39 Steps’ – referred to in the advertising of this current production.

New Old Friends have taken the fascinating life of Harry Houdini and crafted a story based on his battle with the practice of spiritualism and a fictional tale of him and his wife being framed for murder during their bid to perform for a major performance for the King of England. With a mix of physical and verbal comedy and a sprinkling of magic tricks, the result is an entertaining evening though, there is the distinct feeling I have seen much of it all before.

However, if you haven’t been exposed to this kind of treatment before, then it will provide plenty to enjoy – what sets it apart is the use of tricks and illusions which are performed well and certainly deserves the applause received.

A troupe of four actors bring to life the many characters – though two of them only play Harry and Bess Houdini – and the story comes over almost as an ‘end of the pier’ entertainment. Simple sets are created and revealed behind curtains or rolled on and off stage; the presentation is slick and sharp.

Ben Higgins is a loud, confident Houdini and a commanding presence and Lydia Piechowiak is his perfect foil as the quick-witted and wise wife Bess. Kirsty Cox and Adam Elliott between them play a cast array of characters, they display enormous versatility throughout  – at one point Elliott has a scene where he is playing four at the same time, it’s quite a feat.

The writing by Feargus Woods Dunlop (who also directs) is full of humour – some subtleties were particularly amusing such as the names of the policemen – Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub; names taken from the children’s TV programme ‘Trumpton’ in which they are firemen. However, increasingly the laughter appeared to get thinner on the ground as the play began to outstay its welcome, it was too long for the material; stripped back of some of the longueurs it would have been funnier and sharper. 

However, this is a fun show and elevated by the magical element.

Cast

Ben Higgins – Harry Houdini

Lydia Piechowiak – Bess Houdini

Kirsty Cox – Various Roles

Adam Elliott – Various Roles

Creatives

Director & Writer – Feargus Woods Dunlop

Set Design – Caitlin Abbott

Costume Designer & Maker – Connie Watson

Lighting Design – George Seal

Magic Consultant – Pete Firmin

Sound Design – Fred Riding

Composer – Guy Hughes

Movement Director – Sam Archer

A New Old Friends Production in Association with the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre