Reviewed by:
Glam Adelaide
Review by Ben Stefanoff |
23 February 2022
Raymond Crowe. There really isnât anyone quite like him. He titles himself as an âunusualistâ â part illusionist and a whole lot of unusual. He likes to twist the abnormal, the different and the strange elements of the world and explore them to the nth degree. And yes, he certainly does do this in UNUSUALISM, his 2022 offering for the Fringe. However, Raymond Crowe is so much more, and so is this show. It has heart. It leaves you feeling warm. It awakens that little child in you where the impossible is actually possible. Unlike some âmodernâ magicians that go for the daring tricks, cheap jokes and shock, Raymond tips his hat and honours those that have laid the path before him. He is a sensational performer. I attended his Tuesday evening performance with my 6 year old daughter, who did insist on sitting in the front row. Iâm glad we sat where we did, because seeing Raymond work up close was mesmerising.
From performing as part of UKâs Royal Variety Performance, The Illusionists Live On Broadway, to appearing as a finalist on Australiaâs Got Talent, Raymond Crowe has toured the world with his own unique brand of magic. I personally first discovered Raymond Crowe many years ago, when he performed alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at a Christmas concert in the Festival Theatre. I have always loved magic, but there was something about his performance that has stuck with me all these years later.
UNUSUALISM features a vast array of illusions, including sleight of hand tricks, ventriloquism, card tricks, bubblesâŚ.the list of what he packs into an hour is mind-blowing. He is a master of his craft. Each illusion is well rehearsed, slick and executed perfectly. He captures and emulates the vaudevillian performers of years gone by. It was Raymondâs final act of the night that has left his mark on the world â a hand shadow piece performed to the Louis Armstrong classic, What a Wonderful World. Positioned amidst the audience, Raymond weaves his magic as his hands create shadows on a giant screen. Seeing Raymond work at close quarters is worth the ticket price alone.
Do yourself a favour and add UNUSUALISM to your âmust seeâ list. Experience illusions that will leave you questioning what you just witnessed.
Raymond Croweâs 2022 Adelaide Fringe show, UNUSUALISM will be playing at The Box in the Garden Of Unearthly Delights until Sunday 20 March. Tickets through FringeTix or at https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/raymond-crowe-unusualism-af2022