Magic and storytelling combine with a hint of the paranormal to create a freakishly fun, immersive experience which will thrill believers and sceptics alike in the world premiere of ‘Haunted.’
Presenter Kevin Kopfstein has spent over thirty years collecting what he calls 'hauntiques' – bizarre and peculiar items with rich, often morbid histories. His unique collection includes an 1800s vampire hunting kit, a rusted cemetery lock and an allegedly haunted children’s doll (to name a few) and each comes with a gripping tale of woe, misfortune, murder and mystery. A natural entertainer, Kevin takes audiences on a thrilling (sometimes frightening) journey into the realm of spirits and impossibility; sharing the histories of each item and performing jaw-dropping feats of magic which will leave audiences questioning their own eyes.
Kevin’s quiet style of storytelling perfectly captures the melancholy sentiments of the tales he tells; but his calm demeanour does become unnerving as strange things begin to happen around him – and his suggestions of possible demonic and/or dark interference do little to ease audience’s nerves.
If creepy artefacts and murderous tales aren’t enough to entertain, there are also plenty of opportunities to get involved during the one-hour show and those brave enough to take on the challenge will undoubtedly feel a chill in their spine as they watch Kevin work his magic. I was lucky enough to be called on during the 29 February show and had the pleasure of holding a set of rosary beads from the vampire hunter’s kit. Without giving anything away, I can safely say that the events that followed still blow my mind. Another audience member was left questioning her own memories when she participated in a voodoo ceremony, while a young girl got the fright of her life when she agreed to attempt a Victorian-era séance with Kevin and his haunted doll.
With more than 160 years of history (and possibly a few hauntiques of its own), the colonial Victorian-inspired Ayers House is the perfect setting for a show of this nature, and the small library which hosts ‘Haunted.’ creates an intimate setting which allows audiences to get up close and personal with Kevin and his collection. The darkness of the small room adds an ominous touch to an already spooky show, and Kevin’s impressive magical exploits combined with his subtle suggestions of paranormal interference will leave you wondering whether there was more than magic at play.