Houdini

From a magic performance perspective, Brett performs strong, impressive tricks. The narrative was well researched but a little flat, but that's ok. We weren't there for a history lesson, we were there to watch cool tricks, and the performer definitely put blood, sweat, and tears into this piece. A good representation of Fringe Magic.

This is a 30 minutes show in search of an hour’s worth of content. The show just does not sustain any momentum and does little to really explore the topic it seems to set out to do: Celebrate or highlight Houdini’s Canadian tour.

It is effectively two big illusions that we have all seen before and some window dressing that does not engage the audience.

There is definitely material to mine here, the show needs a little more work. Also, the Jack Benny bit is completely out of place and falls flat.

I saw this tonight with my youth and their friend. The show built up my knowledge of iconic stunts harry houdini wowed people with, which is cool, but even cooler were some of those stunts that our artist did that I think were 100 % practice and effort, not illusionary. I'd love to see a longer performance by this guy. He's also super cool, and seems very tired. Props to him for making this show happen.

A very entertaining show. Good combination of Storytelling (Houdini's Canadian Tour) and solid magic tricks to support the story. Throughout, the full sold out theatre seemed to demonstrate enjoyment by all. Had no trouble finding volunteers tonight (getting or not getting volunteers should not be a judgment of show quality as per the other reviewer). Overall a great show

Never would I expect to know as much about straight jackets as I do after watching Houdini, but you learn something new everyday, right? Houdini is a show about the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini. The performer, Brett Oddly, brings back classic tricks and stunts that Houdini was known for, all while telling stories about the man himself.

The thing that caught my eye the second I walked into the theatre was the intriguing set. I must say, it had me questioning what I had walked into! Slowly, it began to make sense why there was a straight jacket hanging from a pulley mechanism on stage. Although the show was a magic show, Oddly cracked some jokes that made the audience cackle, keeping them engaged throughout. He also sparked hilarious interactions with the audience when he needed help with a trick.

The technical aspects of the show surprised me (which, after further consideration, might have been because this was my first magic show, but they were very well done). The dramatic, red lighting worked very well during the intro of the show, and the cortisol-raising music during dramatic stunts left the audience shook. I find it lovely that a magic show had such intentional theatric elements.

Overall, Houdini was a fantastic show that succeeded in leaving the audience stunned after each trick. Audience members should look forward to walking out knowing a lot about Harry Houdini, and witnessing a grand finale that will leave them shaking in their boots!

This was not so much a show as a guy performing magic at a kid’s birthday party. Brett Oddly hangs his performance on the a story about Houdini’s Canadian tour in 1923, but it’s not well told, nor researched from what I could tell. The illusions were fine, but not necessarily engaging.

You can often tell how a performer is connecting (or not) with their audience when they call for volunteers. In Oddly’s case, he had a tough time finding anyone willing to participate from a sold-out house.

All in all, it wasn’t a great show, but some of the tricks were fun.

Really cool show full of great tricks. Loved the storytelling behind the history of Houdini in Canada as well! Highly recommend