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!