REVIEW: SPOOK SHOW (SPOILER FREE)

Nick Wallace is a fiendishly delightful illusionist and storyteller. In his newest and evolving mystical venture Spook Show, Wallace asks his audience to participate in some truly unbelievable and unnerving feats which leaves us audibly gasping and laughing uneasily all at once.

The audience is asked to consider how words are simply ideas given meaning. Wallace demonstrates this numerous times throughout Spook Show and each time is a marvel for those participating and watching the magic unfold. His interwoven stories are intelligent and informative while showcasing a remarkable talent for creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and wonder. Each prop has a purpose and you can’t trust anything the participants see or even do. Everything witnessed in this 90 minute production is truly incredible while watching Wallace engage with the unsuspecting and skeptics alike. The laughter of disbelief and awe permeated the theatre space and while this was not my first experience seeing Wallace, I was left as flummoxed and impressed as I was that first time fifteen years ago.

To say anything beyond this would spoil the show and I respect Wallace and his craft far too much to destroy these illusions for future audience members. While Spook Show may be an evolving work in progress, it is an absolute must-see at this year’s Fringe. Don’t miss it.