Reviews - Fringe 2009

An Evening with Nicholas Wallace (Practitioner of the Art of Astonishment)

By Amanda N. Nesbitt
Published July 18, 2009

As a young man takes the stage, a box is opened and a mysterious envelope is placed high above the audience. The man walks off. Enter Nicholas Wallace, practitioner of the art of astonishment ... not illusion, not magic, astonishment.

The mood takes you into a mysterious place as Nicholas Wallace explains just what does it mean to be astonished and how audiences use their thoughts to justify what their eyes see.

With Nicholas' interactive show, we are taught to open our eyes and minds and be amazed by the impossible.

There are no fancy effects, no flashy props. It is mind-based acts based on the work of Falconi (among others). Using gentle humour and consummate professionalism, Nicholas Wallace charms us to the stage and leaves us wondering "how did he know that?" and "how does he do it?" That is the art of astonishment that Nicholas Wallace provides for the audience.

This particular show also reminds us that illusion and theatre often go hand-in-hand and Nicholas uses the both masterfully and keeps us on the edge of our seat for the length of the show.

It is an all-ages treat with a final reveal that will leave you laughing and cheering by the end. Be sure to discover the mysterious world of Nicholas Wallace for yourself!

Amanda N. Nesbitt is a McMaster graudate with a double major in English/History and a minor in Theatre and Film Studies. An avid writer/photographer, she thrives being a part of Hamilton's theatre/arts movement and has been very active in the theatre community since 2003. Writing for the Fringe marks her third year participating with this amazing group of people that make up the festival and she hopes you enjoy the shows. Thank you for promoting the arts!

0 Comments

View Comments: Nested | Flat

Post a Comment

You must be logged in to comment.

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds