Presented by Grey Matters
11--14 and 17--21 March at 8pm, Guild Theatre
Review by Cynthia Sear
In front of a backdrop of leather bound books and miscellaneous scientific paraphernalia, Simon Taylor's smart three-piece suit and sharp tongue set the scene for a fast paced demonstration of how insinuation can create the illusion of magic. Reminiscent of the YouTube sensation, Darren Brown, Taylor uses psychology for suggestion and in the reading of non-verbal communication. In short: science and observation are the reason he can tell you the name of your first kiss and what you're thinking about in response to given cues. Supported by the Victorian Skeptics, this is a show that rather disturbingly reveals just how malleable our minds really are.
At only twenty years old Taylor has a commanding presence which in turn evokes a heightened awareness in his audience. People sit up straight and watch closely, just waiting to catch him out. Yet, as Taylor explains: he's not using trickery, only the mind. As such the interactive nature of his show is essential, without which we may have assumed that he'd rehearsed the participants before. With a plastic water bottle to decide his next subject, it seems that almost everyone gets a go at being read or manipulated. He can tell if you're lying and he can make you think what he wants. One particular demonstration before interval will certainly leave you wondering if there is such a thing as original thought; the science behind this show suggesting that certain stimuli will produce predictable patterns of thinking.
I attended last Thursday night's performance wherein it must be acknowledged that not all went as Taylor predicted. No one in the Guild Theatre appeared medically astute enough to take a pulse and the throwing of the drink bottle was a little frightening in the arms of some rather rowdy audience members. Still credit must go to Taylor's ability to quip a sly remark when a subject doesn't perform as desired. And while sometimes his frustration with certain second row larrikins was evident, he controlled and captured the crowd in a way rarely seen on a university stage. Kudos must also go to an exceptional back stage crew as lighting in particular was integral to show's success.
Without a doubt this short show is one that will leave you baffled, a little freaked out and definitely wanting more. Not to give out any spoilers but do watch out for Taylor's final feat…as one audience member put it: this will make your spine shiver as if the stampede in The Lion King just went over your grave.
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Posted Tuesday 17 March, 2009. Updated Wednesday 1 April, 2009.
