Lying cheating bastard
Sun Herald
Sunday July 5, 2009
LYING CHEATING BASTARDCRITIC'S RATING 6/10OLD FITZROY THEATREUNTIL JULY 25TICKETS $25-$40BOOKINGS 1300 438 849ACCORDING to magician James Galea, there is no such thing as Lady Luck. The expert trickster is telling us about life on the street, escaping his abusive father and learning skills in the art of magic and conning anyone who gets that look of greed in their eye.Largely autobiographical, this production, directed by Nicholas Hammond, is the story of Galea interspersed with magic tricks. The narrative and clunky acting get too sentimental but the highlight is Galea's amazing magical illusions.Interacting directly with the audience, he tells us of the high life of a successful magician and con man that's until he finds himself in the dark underbelly of Sydney's crime scene, where the stakes suddenly make his walnut-and-pea trick fodder for the big boys.The most astonishing thing about this production, aside from Galea's deft sleight-of-hand skills, is the set design by Jo Briscoe. With a high-gloss black floor and walls and brilliant lighting ingrained in the structure, it is truly dazzling.For anyone familiar with the tiny Old Fitzroy space, this design transforms the theatre, giving it a depth and breadth I have never come across. The set alone (and the tricks) is enough to make the evening well worth your while.
© 2009 Sun Herald
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